By Jack, Lynn, and Peder —

Today started wonderfully at 7 o‘ clock. It was a much more blissful morning compared to the teary-eyed days of the past. No more waking up before the rest of the island. We headed to Deadman’s Bay to engage in barnacle research pertaining to dissertation chapter 3 of University of Washington graduate student Will King. Ironically, we talked of horror stories on the way.

Photos by Caroline Grauman-Boss

We exited the van with terror in our minds, but exited to measure, identify, and record data about barnacles. Slipping and sliding, we perilously observed our calipers carefully.

We returned to the dorms, and proceeded to review our data. Jamie, Jack, and Tim headed back to False Bay to release our earwigs because we did not have time to perform our trials and did not wish to kill them. They were eager to return.

Soon we began to plan our costume for the famous Invertebrate Ball. At the thrift shop we encountered deer, orange, and purple.

Photos by Seth Grant

Inspired to be a sea star, we grabbed what we could and headed back to the dorms again.

All afternoon was spent making Sea Stars, Jellyfish, and a Nudibranch.

Creativity was flowing through the room like crazy as we cut, glued, and sewed.

Together we looked like a group of idiots, that was except Indeya who was rocking an 80’s purple get-up.

Photo by Tom Grauman

Our costumes were a hit. We brought home 3 prizes in the name of Salish Sea Sciences.

Now we prepare for our long boat trip around the islands. We will face the cold, feisty water and the smell of 12 individuals who haven’t showered for five days.