Programs Blog

Author: Joon C., Sofia H., and Alani G.,

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Saturday was a wonderful day. The sun was shining; the cold was gone. Most of us slept in. Some, however, were still stuck to the routines they had been acquiring from the week before and consequently woke up at the usual 7:30 A.M. (or even earlier for all of those early birds). After the usual homemade breakfast, we all went to Madden to debrief on the activities that would follow that same day: projects first, then the much anticipated tour of the SSV Corwith Cramer.

The purported 1-hour visit to the Cramer turned into 2.5 hours and it proved to be quite the experience. We learned all about the research done on the ship, how it is sailed, and what “ship” life is like. Everyone on the ship is required to be a crew member, meaning that they must know how the ship works and be able to manage certain responsibilities on it in order to participate. In other words, the Cramer takes no passengers. We also looked at phytoplankton and zooplankton nets and various specimens that had been collected within them. One was the remaining molt from a crab! We had the opportunity to see some of the scientific equipment the ship used to collect chemical, physical, and biological samples from the sea. We also got to handle the various ropes and sails found aboard and learn about how the crew manages the boat from above deck. Below deck, we took a look at the living conditions of the crew. Boy was it sad. But also quite interesting. The beds were in the walls, and all available space was used to store extra equipment. There was even a guitar hanging from the ceiling! Everything was designed so that nothing would fall when the ship was going through turbulence, and it was really interesting to see how the whole ship was made to travel and collect data.

After touring the Cramer, the group decided that ice cream would be the best way to cool down. We spent our final thirty minutes in Woods Hole licking our sweet, sweet salvation from the hellfires of the boat that we were cooking in for two hours. Then we were ready to go home and have a rest. While waiting for dinner, Jaiman volunteered to tuck into a ball on the ground and have people spike a volleyball at him. According to Jaiman, it was fun, so I guess it was enjoyable for everyone. After a delicious curry dinner, our Pre-College session joined with the SEASCape group to play manhunt, which went until it was dark outside.

On Sunday, students in A House woke up to sounds of the “AHOUSEBESTHOUSE” playlist and soft chocolate pancakes, proving just how much better they are than B House. The crisp morning air refreshed the mind and eased sore muscles from last night’s intense manhunt game against the SEASCAPE program. Packing water, sunglasses, cash, and overflowing excitement, we all filed into the two vans after our usual headcount to ride the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard (MV). Marinating our faces in the sea-salt winds, we journeyed for half an hour to Oak Bluffs (town in MV). Like a family of ducks, we followed our Quinn, “unhinged” PA, to the Gingerbread Houses and were set free to venture off to the town center densely populated with tourists, clothing/gift shops, and restaurants. After sizing up a few restaurants, we decided to dine at Martha’s Vineyard Chowder Company.

The Captain’s Pasta was creamy and had plenty of seafood–lobster, scallop, and shrimp–that also gave it a chewy aspect. But when it came time to pay, we noticed that we’d been scammed! The waitress had told us that the market price of the pasta was $37 but the check said $39 (and we had to tip at least 20%!). I know a difference of $2 might not sound much but if you’re a high schooler with no stable income, every dollar counts, so we successfully (and rightfully) bargained back our two bucks.

After we ate lunch, some of us went shopping around the area. The cute beachside stores often played a variety of songs, and although pricey, had a selection of beautiful jewelry and elaborate souvenirs. Much of the group spent their time exploring Martha’s Vineyard and shopping. Narrow roads were framed by picturesque wooden houses painted in blues, pinks, and whites. There were also chess games set up along the shore, and a kid was playing a game beside ours and absolutely smoking his mom. As we finished our sixth game, we said goodbye to the family and went to get some cool drinks. After our three hours allotted to visiting Martha’s Vineyard, we made our way back to the ferry where we were taken back to Woods Hole. Our normal routine began afterwards: chores, rest, dinner, and free time. Now, we await the adventures of tomorrow…

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