Yesterday we took a trip to Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios. Although being able to snorkel and SCUBA dive everyday has been nothing short of incredible, having a day filled with adventure outside the water (kind of) was something we all needed. We spent the morning racing up the river with heavy hitting water and slippery rocks trying to wash us away, but despite that, we all successfully made it to the top. We collectively decided to start again at the bottom and race to the top, but in true marine science student fashion, we all darted to the ocean, where we took turns getting thrown into the air by Jason and Jeff- with some doing backflips before splashing into the water (definitely not me). Once we realized we only had 10 minutes to meet our professors, we all darted up the waterfall, only tripping a few times- which is a success for someone as clumsy as me.
I forgot to include a caption with my photo — this makes my wonderful professors very sad.
After conquering the falls, we all loaded back into the bus and headed into the main strip of Ocho Rios, where we got some free time to wander the town, collect souvenirs, eat great food, and immerse ourselves in the Jamaican culture. The streets were filled with music and merchants trying to persuade you to buy their products, where I learned I am a terrible bargainer.
This past week has been life changing. From getting open water dive certified, spending every possible second I can in the water searching for a wide variety of species (my favorite thus far being the Octopus briareus- or Caribbean reef octopus), and learning all about the reef in lecture-I’m excited to see what this next week will bring and what adventures awaits for me.
What’s really bizarre about Ashley (in addition to her not providing figure captions for her blog), is that she’s started wearing her mask and snorkel on land as well as in the water.
Until next time,
Avocado Ashley
Ashley is a water girl I’m sure if she could build a home under water she would. This is a great learning experience and I can’t wait until i see all her pictures
What an awesome experience you are getting. So very proud of you, considering what a challenge it was when you were little in the Dr’s office when you were terrified of the cotton swab for a step test 🤣🤣. Now here you are studying abroad scuba diving, snorkeling and studying hard. I am so incredibly proud and excited for you. Enjoy your last week, can’t wait to see all the pictures and hear all about the under water world. P.S ( are there any kayaks around, you can fill your classmates and professors in about your kayak journey in Port Jefferson) Love you 😍 😍
That was pretty embarrassing when Ashley had the whole marine patrol of the Suffolk County police looking for for her as the kayak was floating around in the Port Jefferson harbor
ASH! So proud of you. What an incredible experience this must be for your classmates and you! Loving all the photos you are posting and how much your passion for Marine Science is expanding. I vividly remember every single time we are together when you see ANY type of animal, you must stop what you’re doing and immediately approach them. & I love you for that! You remind me of a dog that sees a squirrel and has to chase after them haha. Anyway, love you the most and can’t wait to see you!
Awesome post Ashley!! And ummm I’m the avocado obsessed sister so you need to rename yourself. But anyways, so excited to hear about your experience (even though you decided to leave home the same time as me, leaving our poor mother alone). But I’m so proud of you!! Referencing moms post, the port Jefferson story is the best so I will tell!!! Ashley put her kayak on shore and walked away with my dads truck keys inside. But unfortunately for Ashley she didn’t realize it wasn’t far up enough so the waves took it. In return people thought it was a missing person because everything was it. The coast guard and police were called and that’s when Ashley approached a cop about the situation. Very happy ending for everyone that she wasn’t missing, just careless as usual!! HAHAHAH love you so much and can’t wait to see you
Ash Bash! I love how dedicated and passionate you are with everything you do!!! I am so excited and can’t wait to hear all about your trip and see all the pictures! If you were to ask me what Disney character comes to mind when I think of you, I would have to say Dory- ditzy, yet so optimistic, loving and brave! And now you finally get to swim around like her too, just please don’t forget your way home!
Ashley I’m so Happy to see you’re having a wonderful time and an awesome life learning experience! I’m also happy to see that your so brave and learning to overcome your fears. I remember when you were 5 years old and I took you and your twin sister Kimberly to have your ears pierced and you were very anxious and decided to wait a few months until you felt comfortable! And that was okay with me !! I love you and I’m always so very proud to be your Aunt De De
What an experience ash! I have been following your blog and enjoying the many pictures that you have been posting. You’ve always been so adventurous and i am so glad to see you’re continuing to live life to the fullest like you always have! Enjoy every single moment and continue making memories 💚🐠 can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Ashley!!! How cool is this…you are truly in your element!! You look sooo happy.!! This a most amazing experience and you are rocking it…I am so happy you found something that fills your heart with joy.
Enjoy! Love seeing all the pictures, cannot wait for more…Have a great time and I cannot wait to hear all about it 💙🐙🐬💙
Ashley is a water lover , summer you will always find her in or around water .be careful we love you .
Ashley so
Incredibly proud of you.. you have always been an animal and water lover…. I every time there is a animal around. That’s where Ashley would be… no fear.. this i is truly her calling in life. Love her to pieces
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