Best Fishing Trip Ever

As everyone knows this year is my first and so last Thursday we went on a fishing trip. It was also my first fishing trip. I was excited and ready to catch some fish, I knew it was going to be wicked hot that day and we'd be out on the water chilling. I've been on boat back and forth this summer. We met up at the dock near courthouse station and were separated into groups and placed with captains and their boats. This boat was beautiful. It was smaller than the ones I'm usually on. My group included Bella and Amanda and Amanda's guest. Just us four and the captain and his daughter. His boat was nice, it had a living room area, two rooms and two bathrooms, a little kitchen and the top deck. Unbelievable that all that stuff can fit on the boat. So we set up the rods and go around fishing with real bait and lures. We drive around searching for bites but nothing.

We come to a stop and get ready to go swimming. In the middle of the ocean! I was anxious and unprepared. Even though I can swim, knowing that there was no way I would reach the ocean floor that was probably anywhere between 30-50 feet below me is really scary. By the time I decided to jump in everyone was off the boat, onto the raft waiting for me. I gave myself a pep talk and everyone was encouraging me and telling me I should just do it, it's fun and if I know how to swim it'll be fine. I finally just did it and didn't think about it and jumped in. The water welcomed me with a cold splash that was refreshing. I was so happy and proud of myself! After that I was ready to get back up and jump in again.

The funniest thing happened that day. I decided that I wanted to jump off the boat and into the water. The girls and I lined up and the camera is rolling so we're ready then *BOOM*. Guess who slipped? Me! I feel my body going sideways and head first into the water and then I get kicked in the head by Amanda who jumped in before me. Here's a video for all of you to enjoy and laugh and show your friends and family ;D

Kharliyah Ortiz

All Summer 16

Babies!

I think it's fair to say I have the best summer job ever. I don't even work, I explore. I'm low key Dora the Explorer because there's different things to do every day and new things I learn about. Last Friday at children's we had the pleasure of catching a pregnant female crab! The amount of eggs she had were uncountable. There were probably like thousands. If you've ever watched Finding Nemo, at the start of the movie you see all the fish eggs, they literally look like those in microscopic size. It was a spider crab and she was a lot more gentle than I thought she would be. She was not as overprotective and allowed us to open up and see all her babies. It was quite a catch, everyone who came up to the touch tank was amazed. We soon released her back into the ocean for her safety and for the safety of her eggs.

 

 Not only was that the first time seeing a pregnant crab but this weekend was my first time at the sand sculpting festival at Revere Beach. We set up a station for fish printing and after that I was able to walk around and look at all the pretty sculptures. What job allows you to have fun as working? Mine! I took lots of pictures and my snapchat story was so long. Bella and I got lit as we sat in the model cars from Chevrolet bumping loud music. I enjoyed some fried dough while admiring the sculptures and ice cream. It was a day well spent. My time is never wasted at work. Until next time, can't wait to see what's coming up.

All summer 16

Kharliyah

First Time for Everything

My name is Kharliyah Ortiz, I'm 17 years old, and I attend the John D. O'Bryant. This is my first year working at Save the Harbor Save the Bay and I'm looking forward to every bit of it. I've heard so many good things about this organization and I can't wait to see what this summer has in store for me. So let me explain:

Have you ever been afraid to try something new? This week at Carson Beach was my first time kayaking. It was a fun and daring experience. As we put on our life jackets the instructor explained the rules and what to do out in the water. My heart was racing with fear and my mind with so many "what if's" like, "What if my kayak flips over?" or "What if I fall in the water". I hid my panic as my partner and I carried our kayak down to the shore. We get to the water, hop in, and paddle out. Further and further until I can't see the ocean floor. I was mostly scared but kept it cool, or so I thought. Up until one of my coworkers pulled up in their kayak next to ours and threatened us to jump in or get flipped. By that time I think my fear was pretty visible and audible from my screaming. I was assured that nothing would happen because my life jacket so I toughened up and hopped in. The ice cold water hit my body in a rush that was refreshing and shocking. That was my first time kayaking and it was a blast.

All Summer 16 

Kharliyah