Day 4: Stingrays and Dolphins and Gators.... Oh my!!

Today started off nicely as always and with a traditional breakfast of scrambled eggs, toast, hand roasted coffee and fried plantains. At 10 'clock we took off from the beach on in a large tour boat driven by a local named Dennis.

Dennis took us through the 3 bays of Treasure Beach down the coast to the west. About two miles from where we started we ran into a small family of Dolphins. They were shy but playful and so very majestic. We managed to get a few shots before carrying on. Check below!

Our destination was the Black River, Jamaica's largest half fresh/half-salt water river. At the tributary we were able to also find Saltwater Crocodiles. They are pretty non-aggressive and prefer to just sunbath and take their time... it is after all, Jamaica.

Another mile in was a landing rest spot where some locals showed us the ropes of...well... swinging into the water. I chose not to do it.. mostly on the grounds that I could not climb the mango grove tree  to get to the rope... yesterday's hike did a good number on the ol' ankle.

Regardless, the best part of today was lunch at a place called The Pelican Bar. It is a small restaurant built completely out of drift wood in the middle of the reef. We ordered ahead for lunches ( a choice of lobster, whole fish, or veggies) I went with the whole fish... yes I know... no lobster but I made the right choice seeing that the portions of lobster were very small. My fish was a local fish fried whole and topped with a bitter sweet fruit relish and served with rice. Awesome as always.

We shot back to shore because of threatening rain... mostly it was just wind... but it made for one hell of a ride back HELLO JAMAICAN ROLLER-COASTER! The rest of the day until dinner was spent resting... I know its sounds like such a hard life but tomorrow the real reason and adventure that I am here for begins. Stories about the power behind these music sessions makes my heart pound. With every new thing I learn I grow more and more anxious to see the faces of the kids I will work with.

Dinner was more on the traditional side (Americana, if you will). Stewed Pork in a brown sauce, white rice, potato salad and a Callaloo mix (the spinach-like stuff I mentioned from our first breakfast). There was a homemade carrot juice that tasted more like a melted vanilla milkshake... not my favorite but I'm glad I got to try it.

Time for bed - round one begins tomorrow!