For some of us, it was another early morning. Maxene, Wesley, Gabe, Matthew, and Sam went to various field sites to collect more data for their projects. The rest of us enjoyed sleeping in a little bit (7:45 am).
Addy hard at work “helping” Aoife with her project. (Credit: Olivia)Eva observing her third tow of plankton samples in the lab. We are all hoping they can keep them alive this time. (Credit: Olivia)Sam is hard at work doing very complex science unknown to the bloggers. (Credit: Olivia)Aoife’s scallops in a small tank. She is observing how different colored scallops behave differently. (Credit: Olivia)
At this point, most students’ projects are coming together and we are seeing some interesting results. Nonetheless, tomorrow will be another early morning out in the field for those less fortunate. Next, we were informed we would watch a harbor seal necropsy.
The seal pup was just about one week old, and the cause of death was somewhat unknown, but it was suspected to have been separated from its mother in some way.
Prep before the necropsy. (Credit: Olivia)Harbor seal pup prepped before the necropsy. (Credit: Kashi)
For an exciting break in the usual pattern, we began our 3-day kayak excursion. Our route to Stuart Island was long and arduous, but worth it once we arrived at the place we’d call home for the next two nights.
Students holding onto the other kayaks to make a raft during a paddle break. Photo Credit: OliviaOn our way to Stuart, we had to pause for an unexpected humpback whale crossing. Can you spot them?Photo Credit: OliviaEventually, everybody managed to set up their tents correctly (for the most part). Photo Credit: Violet
When we got camp we had plenty to do, including collecting firewood, swimming in the chilly water, and exploring the forest. Later, we all gathered for dinner to eat delicious fish tacos prepared by our kayak guides. Eli and Zoe, our guides from San Juan Outfitters, were incredibly helpful, reliable, and kind throughout the whole trip.
After a long day of paddling (over 8 miles…) students enjoyed some tasty s’mores around the campfire. Photo Credit: KateAfter the sun set, students went night lighting at the dock and saw many interesting marine creatures, including tube worms (pictured above). Photo Credit: Alice After our lovely campfire experience, we observed a not so-lovely worm spawning extravaganza. Photo Credit: Alice Photo taken moments before disaster: Gabe attempted to hold one of the worms, but unfortunately he karate chopped it in half instead. Did you know that these worms can still move after being severed? Photo Credit: Olivia
Later, some of us decided to sleep under the stars with no tent–also called cowboy camping! We fell asleep to the sound of waves and chittering raccoons. Although it was a late night, we hope to wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and ready to rock.
After many long journeys to Anacortes from places as far as Guam and Alaska we were grateful for a long nights’ sleep in our comfortable dorms.
Silas Unger: First view of the Spring Street International School dormsOlivia Lessens: Stepping off the ferry into Friday Harbor!
This morning we woke, rested and ready for an exiting and packed day. We began with a scavenger hunt to get to know the town of Friday Harbor, running around looking for niche spots. The winner of this competition would get to bragging rights, stickers, and the first pick for team names.
Olivia Lessens: Team Medusa completing the handstand scavenger hunt challenger (for just 5 points)
After moments of success (and some backtracking), we quickly rearranged to drive to Friday harbor labs. We thoroughly toured the campus and went inside a few of the lab buildings.
Our group began in the Sunflower Sea Star lab, where Dr. Rebecca Guenther, an instructor at Friday Harbor Labs, showed us her most recent research project. She and her team have been studying the effects of the Sea Star Wasting Disease on the sunflower sea stars in the area for years, describing the problem and her solution.
As we listened attentively, she explained the artificial reproduction process, and opened the lids to the many generations of Sunflower sea stars in tanks.
Silas Unger: Benny the sea star (top corner) who lost nearly all of his limbs from the wasting disease, and is now safely recoveringKashi Kulkarni: A tank of Dr. Rebecca Guenthers Sunflower sea stars. Each tank of sea stars has their own unique name theme!
Our final scheduled visit was the fish lab where we got to see diverse fishes, and how the fields of biology and engineering intersect. The researchers at this lab were studying bone structures using a CT scanner.
Kashi Kulkarni: How they used different chemicals to turn the bones pink, while turning the tissues of the turtle transparent. Olivia Lessens: Salish Sea Science student are transfixed by various preserved specimens
We saw one final lab where we observed University of Washington students conducting their own experiments and projects, with invertebrates and other marine life looking on.
We are looking forward to an engaging conversation over dinner with Dr. Billie Swalla, an expert in Marine Genomics and the first female Director of UW Friday Harbor Laboratories from 2012 – 2019.
