Scientific Diving and Field School Prep

Over the last few weeks since the semester ended, our members have been participating and leading training exercises in scientific diving to help the first years finish their check out dives and get ready for the field season in Costa Rica. We conducted the scientific diving check out dives at Fantasy Lake, a quarry northeast of Raleigh, along with two wreck sites, Indra and USS Pickett. Through these dives, our first years learned search and navigation techniques as well as finished training for dry suit, full face mask, and nitrox.

These dives led up to our first years preparing for field school this summer in Costa Rica. Through the past week, the field schoolers along with our crew chiefs-Hannah Piner, Melissa Price, and Jeremy Borelli-participated in lectures, hands-on learning activities, and snorkeling practice to prepare for the numerous tasks that field school will hold. More stories and pictures about field school will come as the project wraps up in a few weeks. If you would like to follow in the meantime, please follow the Costa Rica Field School blog at http://blog.ecu.edu/sites/hist5530/. Wish us luck as our members and students embark on a unique experience into Costa Rica.

Craw-fish Boil...Yum!!

On Saturday, MSA hosted their first craw-fish boil. Taking place as the semester is ending, the gathering allowed current students and facility along with alumni to come together, enjoy the spring weather, and eat tons of craw-fish. The craw-fish were accompanied by other delectable Cajun fare to help fuel our students for their final exams. The event also marked the end of this years activities hosted by MSA.

We would like to give our thanks to the McKinnons, who graciously welcomed us to their home to eat as well as providing the equipment and space to cook such great food. We would also like to thank Katie Clevenger and Nathan King for taking the time to plan and orchestrate the event (well mainly the cooking). Thanks for coming out!!