Welcome to Abaco!
We’ve arrived in Abaco! About 24 hrs after departing St. Andrews, we’ve landed this evening at the Kenyon Education Center in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, after meeting up with Le’Andra and Sari in Nassau. For the crew coming from Scotland, the day started with some groggy faces and a strangely futuristic trip to the airport terminal in self-driving pods at Heathrow (pictured below). Did you know, these pods save over 70,000 buses transiting between Heathrow and the nearby hotels every year? Another step towards more sustainable tourism.
Excitement for the trip began bubbling as we took in some spectacular views flying over crystal clear Bahamian waters, and everyone enjoyed a little moment of bliss stepping out into the 26 degree sunshine (not exactly what we’re used to in Scotland…).
Masters students India Haber and Rosie Day are keen to learn more about the deep diving cetacean species of Abaco, such as sperm whales and beaked whales. Undergraduate students Grace Fogarty and Le’Andra Mackey are looking forward to meeting other researchers on trip, hoping to grab new skills in the field and with analysis to use in their current and future work. Everyone is just buzzing to get going and explore Abaco. We’ll start our work bright and early tomorrow and meet researchers Dianne Claridge and Charlotte Dunn to start our field work. Tonight, we’ll rest up well!
Written by Tristan Kleyn (University of St Andrews)
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- The Heathrow Terminal 5 pods that left us in awe. A simultaneously exciting and sustainable experience.
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- Students Emily (left) and India (right) shown deep in discussion regarding the marvels of the pod.
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- The British Airways plane that carried us safely to Nassau, New Providence.
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- A first glimpse of the Bahamian Islands (specifically North Eleuthera) as we made our descent after a 8-hour flight.
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- Marsh Harbour Airport’s arrival building, glowing in the evening sunlight, us after a long but worthwhile journey.
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- Our first meal of the evening, courtesy of Jake’s, Marsh Harbour. Pictured is coconut cracked conch atop a garden salad, with a side of french fries. Portioning is generous here in The Bahamas!
