February Fun in the 'Glades!

As February Finishes...

The Florida community spent February having fun at a cookout with dancing (see the jump to the left), welcoming the Program Team to the island for the Program Team retreat, sea-kayaking with s

ome amazing adults, adventuring with crews, completing service for the local environment, and experiencing hot sun and cold wind/rain/and a tornado!

Between the Savannah course and the first course from Palmer Trinity, 2 crews for Berkeley Prep went into the field with the fine guidance of Meredith Rose and Lee C., as well as Chris S. and Jo H. Lots of folks had some time off: Josh H. went on a 10-day self-reliant personal trip down to Flamingo, Marya and Justinn ventured to San Francisco and Lake Tahoe (Haid says 'Hello!'), Jenny  "The General" also headed out West to ski in Montana, Bernie/Kevin S./Lee went to Key West for a night, Mark visited family in central Florida, and Ariana braved the big city of Washington D.C. to also visit family. Lots of adventures for staff!  

In his third season as Logistics Manager, Josh A. was recently checked off on sailing the Mag. We all are looking forward to watching his graduation from sailing the puffer--hoping for more sunset sails and successful resupplies for courses, wind and water willing. 

Around Valentines Day a very big thunderstorm came through Everglades City and according to everyone who hunkered down on base-camp (and in the Sinker!!) a tornado touched down in the Barron River and in E-City.  Thankfully, damage was minimal, considering what could have happened!  Some lawn furniture was both lost and recovered in the water, the town's school had it's roof damaged, and lots of foliage and debris was around town.  Chavo, Jeff, Trish, Scooter, and Josh A. took advantage of the new flooded water park in the yard and went surfing/skim-boarding on boards.  Come down to Florida to check out the pictures on the picture board in the lodge!

The day before Palmer Trinity I was Staff Service Day!  On a follow-up from last year's 

Panther Preserve service, staff split into two groups to do service with Rookery Bay/Ten Thousand Islands.  One group removed decomposing bags of already-gathered exotic plants on Dismal Key. The bags were in undisclosed locations all over the island--the search was not unlike a treasure hunt!  The second group helped maintain and cut trail in deep water near highway 41. Thanks to everyone who participated and thanks to Sam P. and Meredith L. for contributing while they were passing through from Central America.  It was a great day. 

 

These days Meredith Rose is finishing up her day of Course Directing, Anne made the most amazing Indian food last night, Julie is getting ready for Canterbury and the Semester, Kelly B. is headed back to the mountains after a break, Keith R. departed FL before a course in the Bahamas, Mark will be spending his days helping out as support staff before the Semester students arrive, Merle just flew back home to NY, and we're excited to see Farlin, Diana, Josh B., and Kelly M.  here in a few days!  

Check out the photos and don't be a stranger!

--Paige