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Home > Academics > Classes > Academy Science > Marine Biology Field Trip >

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We took the proverbial "three-hour tour" on Monday, as we headed into the bay (and the ocean beyond) on a whale-watching trip with the Monterey Bay Whale Watch Center. Riding the Sea Wolf II over the waves, several members of the group looked like they would have been more than glad to be stranded on a desert island, if only they could get off the boat! Our tally for the day included two or three killer whales sightings, plus the same number of grey whales, plus assorted pelicans, seagulls, albatross, cormorants, and sea lions.

All of our time wasn't spent in education pursuits; there was time for shopping, and each evening provided the opportunity for playing Settlers of Catan or Uno, tossing frisbees, hanging out in the Bunkhouse, or snacking on personal goodies secreted away in your suitcase. Abbey was overhead to say "I really like Starburst jellybeans, especially when they fall on my head during the night..." (trust me, you don't want to know)

On Tuesday, the focus was on "ecological systems" that are affected by the ocean environment. We all donned life jackets and blue skirts, then carefully boarded two-man kayaks for a tour of Elkhorn Slough. One of only 17 estuarine reserves in the United States, Elkhorn Slough has been described as the "best place for wildlife viewing along the length of California Highway 1."

There were many seabirds on the slough, as the mixture of salt water, fresh water, and muddy banks provides lots of food. Egrets, grebes, loons, and seagulls were all spotted, as well as a fugitive flamingo, on the lam from the zoo. Kirbi said that "seeing the animals in their natural habitat was an amazing experience. I feel like I'm one with nature now!"

Tuesday evening was spent on the academy's private beach, enjoying, fresh popcorn, a bonfire, and lots of wave jumping. Cindy Christensen led out in the evening worship, using the object lesson of a human cross in the support of each other. She also did her own journaling on the trip, taking notes of all the "helpful people" we met along the way.

Our final morning in California was spent cleaning the Bunkhouse, plus an hour in the Science lab with MBA's Marine Biology teacher (and graduate of Union College) Mr. Bob Nobuhara. The students studied microscopic marine life, then watched a video on octopii/ octopodes/octopuses (take your choice!) before climbing aboard our trusty white vans for the trip back to the airport and home.

Many thanks to Mr. Donovan for his hard work in arranging this bi-annual field trip; it was a great experience for students, staff, and sponsors combined. Also credit goes to photographers Chris, Craig, and Cindy Christensen, Shelby Seibold, and Dave Fairchild for the photos in our soon-to-be-available photo gallery.