I learned a few things today that will help benefit me on my trip to Belize.

1. My Gorge Rafter water shoes are not as great as I hoped them to be. First off, the shoelace tightner broke. Also, they started to rust around the metal rings where the shoe laces are strung through. Lastly, after wearing them all day today while assisting Courtney and his friend Garrett dive, and then later walking around Rockport, MA- my feet are hurting so bad! They have blisters and they’re sore. And it does not help that they are closed toe shoes and the heat from today turned my feet into a boiling sauna when they were in the shoes. No fun.

2. I had my first snorkeling experience today! Just practicing for when I will have the opportunity to do it in Belize. I wanted to know what to expect. Courtney lent me his snorkel and goggles and I did it without fins. Courtney thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up without fins but he underestimated my swimming skills. I found snorkeling to be very fun and exciting. It gave me a peace of mind too because I have always been scared to touch the bottom of the ocean. I’ve been scared of crabs. And after snorkeling, my fears were proved valid about the crabs, but it also proved to me that they are more scared of me than I am of them! The crabs were plentiful! As well as lobster, and starfish and fishies. Next time I want to take some crabbing gear with me and bring home some of those tasty little fellows! I’m so excited to go snorkeling in Belize because the visibility will be better. I hope to see more fish than what I saw today in Belize.

I learned that I don’t necessarily need flippers, but yes, it’s still probably a good idea. I learned to overcome my fear of the bottom of the ocean and to dive down deep and pickup starfish off the ocean floor. I also learned that I should reconsider getting a new pair of shoes to wear hiking to the ATM and to wear on the catamaran. I cannot go wearing shoes that will give me blisters and make my feet sore. So again, the hunt is on for a new pair of boating/water shoes.