Marquette University Athletics
Entry Four -- Snorkeling Fun -- November 22, 2006
11/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 22, 2006
ST. THOMAS, USVI -
So it is day two here on the island. I can't say enough how absolutely beautiful it is here. We are having fun and it is about time to get down to business. You know, the real reason we are here.
Well, the biggest challenge we have faced while being here is maintaining balance. We are definitely enjoying the beauty of St. Thomas, I mean how could you not, but at the same time we are understanding why we are here. That is to win basketball games, and we have three of those upon us.
We had a great practice this morning at a local high school. I was a bit worried at first because of our long travel day and then I know most of the team stayed up to watch our men beat Duke. In the end I was very impressed with the way we went hard in practice and stayed focused. Then, because of that, we were able to have the rest of the day for the fun stuff.
We went on a catamaran tour and snorkeling. The boat was a bit rocky on the way out to where we would be snorkeling. Four of us were not feeling well because of the motion in the ocean, including yours truly. The crew gave us this amazing magic potion - really it was just stale ginger ale - but it took the nauseous feeling away. So, when we were anchored in the snorkeling spot I couldn't wait to get in the water.
Snorkeling really picked everyone's spirits up. Some of our team just dove right in and others took our time gradually getting into the water. I was one of those others who took their time getting in. The water was clear and very refreshing. We saw everything from sting rays, many different types of fishes and turtles. I think the best part about the snorkeling trip was that the whole team went. Everyone talked each other into going. In the end, it turned out to be a great team bonding trip.
The ride back to St. Thomas we was a lot less bumpy. The day turned out to be very relaxing for all of us. I think it was needed to be able to clear our heads today so then we are just able to focus on Western Michigan.
When we got back from snorkeling we got ready for our gondola ride up to Paradise Point that Basketball Travelers organized for us. Let me just say this. If you are afraid of heights, this is something you may want to avoid. The ride up was beautiful, very picturesque. The sun was setting over the water and we definitely had the best views of that. When we got up to the top we enjoyed a bird show and a good meal. Those birds did everything from talk, play basketball and ride bikes. It was really neat to see.
It was a early night for us. After all of the day's activities, it was time for some much needed sleep. Tomorrow we play Western Michigan and need to start off the tournament on the right foot.
Stay tuned for how we played and details from the rest of the trip.
