Day Five - Monterey Aquarium

By Helena, Lyla, and Grace

This morning we went tide-pooling. We climbed on the shore rocks and looked at sea anemones, sea stars, clams, mussels, and algae. We all had a lot of fun climbing all over the rocks, even though we feel in the water a few times! Then we went off to Lovers' Point and we were all allowed to walk around and explore. A few of us slept on the daisy field on a blanket and listened to vibes music. After that, we made our way to the Monterey Aquarium. We were briefed by a tour guide and then visited our first exhibit, the sea otter feeding. We later learned about a pregnant otter that visits an enclosure near the aquarium to give birth in a safe and protected space. After we saw the sea otters, we went to the Touch Pools. We got to touch and pet some Bat Rays, which do not sting. Then we dispersed throughout the Aquarium.

We then proceeded to explore other marine wildlife in the aquarium. We observed sharks, fish, jellyfish, and more.  Many enjoyed an exhibit that explored different organisms that had tentacles such as octopuses and squids.

         

Day Four - Elkhorn Reserve

On Wednesday, we went to the Elkhorn Slough Reserve to plant trees and explore the wildlife in the area. The goal of the Reserve is to restore the wildlife and nature that was destroyed by a dairy farm. We planted coast live oak trees that will stay alive for about three hundred years. We truly made our mark on this trip! We worked hard all morning on clearing the land, digging holes, and using "plenty-hose," or a mesh that protects the tree from underground, to plant the small trees. We were all very thankful for the rain boots that they gave us because we were not prepared for the rainy and muddy climate. Before lunch, we enjoyed an off-trail walk under the full grown coast live oak trees that they had at the Reserve. Bree, our instructor, asked us to walk through the trees silently to appreciate their beauty. Afterwards, we went around in a circle and shared words that described the morning. Some words were "fresh," "organic," and "peaceful."

Jeremy provided a delicious lunch of a variety of sandwiches and chips. Full and happy, our instructor Marilyn showed us all Elkhorn has to offer. We saw woodpeckers, otters, tadpoles, and a variety of trees. We then drove to see more otters. This sighting was definitely a favorite among the group because the otters were so cute! We returned to Monterey Bay and shopped some more. The eighth graders even ran into a small family and made friends with a one and a half year old named Emily and a three year old named Daniel. THEY WERE SO CUTE. Their parents joked with us about how one day we will be moms too and won't think that our kids are "SO CUTE" all the time. We all went to a restaurant for dinner and ate Mexican food. It was another fun day in Cali! We miss you guys!

- Zari, Nisa, and Isabel

Day Three - Kayaking in Monterey Bay

Today, we went kayaking on the sparkling Monterey Bay. The first step was fitting water proof clothing. The clothes had velcro straps at the neck, wrists, and ankles to keep the water from seeping into our clothes. We wore life jackets on top, but our feet were bare and covered in Cali sand. We kayaked along cannery row, and saw beaches, houses, and rocks. We saw seals sunbathing on the rocks. Although we had to stay 50 feet away, we saw otters and their cuteness while learning about their habitats. Our favorite part of kayaking was being on the water and learning about the bay.

Our trip was magnified by the warm weather and cool water. We enjoyed dipping our hands and toes in the salty water to cool them off. After kayaking, we were given time to roam the town. We shopped for sweets and souvenirs. Afterward, we walked to dinner where we filled our tummies with pizza and other Italian food. Finally, we drove to the hotel, where we relaxed and swam before lights out.

- Sabina, Madeleine, and Haanah

Day Two - Yosemite!

Today (3/20/17) we went to Yosemite! The 5 hour drive was grueling, but it was worth the trip. When we first arrived we were tired, hungry and burning hot. But once we got out and saw the amazing view and heard the first waterfall, we all couldn't wait to start hiking. We first went on a quick hike to the Bridal Veil Waterfall, where we got soaked by the mist coming off of the waterfall. It was so cool to be so close up and to hear the sounds of the waterfall. We then went to an open field that was surrounded by the beautiful mountains that Yosemite is known for, and ate lunch there.

Once we had finished eating, we went on another short hike to the visitor center where we looked at the museum, bought some souvenirs and learned about the history of Yosemite.  One fact we thought was really interesting was that the granite mountains of Yosemite were formed under the earth, but got pushed up by the movement of the tectonic plates. Afterwards, we went on a five mile hike to Mirror Lake, where we stayed for a little bit to enjoy the view. The hike was so amazing and, we all had a lot of fun.

We all struggled getting on a fallen tree to take a group picture; luckily no one fell in! We stopped at an overlook of the mountains, with just enough light to actually see the views. We played Lucey's vibes playlist, and all laid down soaking up the view. When we all got back on the bus, everyone fell asleep and for once, the bus was actually quiet.

Cacow Eagles out,
Sophie Graf, Lucey Pommer, Kate Robinson

Day One - San Francisco (Emma, Amanda, Kristine)

Today was our first full day on the trip and it was a great one.  We started out the day at the Golden Gate Bridge. There, we walked on the iconic bridge itself and learned a bit about it's history and architecture. We then proceeded to lunch at Boudin Bakery. There, we enjoyed quality bread and other sandwiches and soup. After lunch, we boarded the boat to Alcatraz. There, we learned about the history of the island and about the daily lives of the inmates through an audio tour. After returning to the mainland, we walked along the peer, saw sea lions, and enjoyed sweet treats at Ghiradelli Square.

With full stomachs, we raced up a steep hill to the curvy and steep Lombard Street. After hanging out near the street for a while, we reboarded the bus and drove through China Town. After a bus ride back to Oakland, which was filled with singing and laughter, we ate dinner at Fuddruckers. Then we retired to the hotel. Some went to the pool, some worked out in the gym, and some relaxed in their rooms. Overall, it was a wonderful day. Tomorrow, we go to Yosemite!