Today is the marine science trip out to Cedar Key. It is the only reason I'm going in to work today. The cold viruses enslaving my body make it tempting to stay home and hibernate, but you don't disappoint kids ... you just don't.
This late in the year, today is our one shot at this field trip and it would be almost impossible to reschedule.
Besides, if you're gonna be sick why not be sick on the Gulf of Florida?
Here's my checklist:
Castnets
Seine nets
Plankton net
Buckets
Boat first aid kit
Island first aid kit
Water bottles ... I buy one for each kid just to be sure they have enough to drink.
Giant Ice Chest for kids lunches and drinks
Battery powered aerators
Batteries
Sunscreen
Bugspray
Permission slips with contact numbers and insurance info
Cool shades
Cool USF DAD hat
Waterproof bag for camera
Camera with extra batteries
Waterproof cell phone cover
My lunch ... Smuckers all natural peanut butter in a whole grain bagel and a nanner... maybe a Special K protein bar if I'm feeling extravagant.
All of the smaller items are organized into two Rubbermaid tubs, an Island Box and a Boat Box. At Cedar Key, the kids will split into 2 groups. One group will go to Atsenia Otie Key first and do shore collecting, trail walking, and general beach enjoyment, while the other group will go out on the boat and sort through the creatures that the small bottom dredge net brings up.
Then, after a while, they will flipflop.
My marine first aid kits are 2 tackle boxes with typical things like band aids and antibacterial topicals, plus heat pads for stingray stings, ivy ease for poison ivy, and vinegar for jellyfish stings.
You have to be prepared for anything, field science is wet, muddy, and may bite you.
Mostly, we never need more than the occasional band aid because I make sure they know how to avoid the most common hazards out there ... sharp oyster shells, stingrays, etc.
I also stress the fact that if you get seriously hurt, well, the trip is over for everybody, and you don't want to be THAT guy.
Hey, if a little guilt keeps them safe I'm all for it.
9 comments:
wish I was goin'
Bro J
Hope you feel better! The trip sounds like a nice field trip. Wish my kids were close enough for a day at the beach as a field trip!
We're actually headed down closer to you today. Coming to Rosemary Beach for a few much needed days!
Diggity, that sounds fun!
Exploring the surf and tidepools is definitely a must-do.
Hopefully everyone has a...
ummmm FC...
Did you remember to bring Kleenex?
I think you got a little bubble started there...
you're up early. and well prepared. as it should be. the prepared part. not the early part. bon field trip!
Get your rest, man. After today, of course.
Sounds like it's been a strenuous week. Not stressful, mind you, but strenuous.
Are any of your free-ranging banties looking like soup yet?
Being sick at the beach or on the boat is probably as good as being sick at home. It's amazing how much better we feel when allowed to be in our comfort zone.
Aha! "Comfort zone" - the new cure for minor illness. CAUTION: Does not work if combined with 30 teenagers.
True learning at its best! I wish I was going!
Believe it or not we still have to use the same type of guilt trip treatment on adults! ;-)
Thanks y'all.
It went great and I can breathe through my smeller for the first time in 4 days!
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