A Report From Florida 2012

John Schoultz, our Middle School Technology Coordinator, took a group of 8th graders down to Florida as part of a marine science trip. His first report is below:

Dave, so far things are going very well.

The trip started in Savannah.  The group went for dinner in the historic section and then went took a brief walk. Downtown Savannah was really cool, but the cold temperature ended the evening stroll.  After that, we headed to Florida.

We made it to Florida looking for some warmer weather, but it was not to be.  Hopefully it comes today.  The open water divers got off and running and actually accomplished more than last years group in the same amount of time.  They have gone on their first open water dive and are heading to Rainbow Springs as I write this for more of their dives.  It is a beautiful place with some of the clearest water in the world.

The advanced group of divers, James and Duncan, went on a night dive last night.  Wayne and I joined them and it was just amazing.  The water temperature was significantly warmer than the air temperature, so the boat ride back to the dock was very, very cold.  We think the air temperature was in the mid to low 40s.  The price you pay I guess for a wonderful experience.

The four of us are off shortly for the deep dive of around 70 feet and this afternoon we will actually be riding underwater vehicles like you see in the movies.  Pictures are coming, but we also might have video as well of the underwater fun.

Tomorrow we will be looking for manatees and then scuba diving for fun as a large group.  The kids really have been great and they have worked very hard.

I hope you are well and I will send another note before we leave Florida.

If you want to forward this note on to parents that is great.

John Schoultz and team