August 10th Day 51

Yet another day here at Gump station. I do feel like the days are beginning to fly by faster and faster as my time here goes on. It started off as an ordinary day in that I had to dive Gump Reef with Steph to do the damselfish surveys. We took a while to do it since we have seen a wave of recruits to the anemones within the last couple of days. Once we were done however the day became a little bit boring. I started to make cages right after Gump up until lunch. I would have kept on going with the cages right after lunch if it weren't for Russ and Sally leaving tomorrow. During the day they had been in the process of cleaning out their hillside bungalow. They needed help moving a heavy table of theirs and since I was the only guy available, they took me up there. I had never been to their bungalow before myself but I had heard a few things about it. I had heard that it was really not that big and that for the NSF funded couple it was a small place. I can say that these assertions are all true but still I was absolutely floored when I entered the place. When you walked in, you were in the kitchen and it's by no means big. After that you make your way into the bedroom with above it a loft. Keep going and you get to the balcony where you have the most beautiful view of Cook's Bay that I have seen yet. Despite the beauty, I was made to help them tidy up the place and lift a few tables that were heavy and unmovable without another guy. After we finished, my efforts were rewarded with a double chocolate dove bar which I can say I have had maybe one other time in my life. Funny how I can say the other time was in Moorea. When we came down from their bungalow, I did cage work for the rest of the day. After work, I talked to Erica a bit and then got ready for the dock bbq in honor of Russ and Sally's last night here on Moorea. Despite its impromptu manner, it was a glorious night. From the running limbo to the flawless music selection for Russ on my part, we all had a great time. In the process, Russ shared a few more of his crazy stories from Africa which I appreciated because of his great story telling abilities as well as his actual experiences. Once they left, the party began to morph to catering the younger crowd. I came back to the dorm feeling super tired so I think I will retire now so that I can wake up at the customary hour tomorrow. Until later.