For: March Alumni Newsletter

What? Puerto Vallarta? On a boat? For how much?...These were the predominant questions I received from students in November as I sat in the cafeteria advertising a January trip to learn some about sailing an 80’ yacht, the Leda. My response to the latter question was airfare to which I had numerous bewildered parents questioning the authenticity of such an experience. Upon the return of 6 tanned bodies to mid-winter Bethany when this semester started, people then believed that the trip was indeed valid. Even now, without pictures and a video as evidence of our adventure, I too might say that it was merely a dream.

From January 7-13, those that were the grateful recipients of a generous gift given by Gene Valentine included: Juniors, Jim Paul and Erin Kelly; Freshman, Matt Bowers; and staff, Erin Martin, Bonnie Ahlers, and myself. Our merry crew was led by Captain Bruce Glass, Steve, first mate, and John, chef.

Erin Martin and Erin Kelly.	Erin Kelly and Jim Paul	Erin Kelly	Erin Martin at the helm
Captain Bruce taking a well deserved break.	Jim Paul and Matt Bowers in the galley.	Matt Bowers and Capt. Bruce.	A local, waiting for dinner to swim by.

During our stay, we went on three day sails into the Bahia de Banderas (Banderas Bay). Our first day was highlighted by a visit from a whale that decided to show off a little with a full-body jump out of the water. It was magnificent! The second day we motored to Las Tres Marietas, three islands 7 miles off the northern point of the bay. There, we were able to do some snorkeling and hiking. The island we were on is a nature reserve; a nesting area for the ever-clumsy, always squawking, pastel blue or yellow footed booby birds. Hiking through the booby bird territory, through caves and cacti, was an adventure none of us will ever forget, especially since I videotaped 90% of it. Day three, we ventured south across the bay to the town of Yelapa. More rural than Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa has a beautiful waterfall that you eventually get to after a rather windy, uphill, dirt path. That too is on tape. In fact, there's not much that isn't.

Design for the trip consisted of learning as much about sailing as we could and taking some space for reflection on the past semester and how we hoped to enhance the next semester. Participants learned how to tie knots, steer the boat, and how to cook (in close quarters). Individuals journaled about our group dynamics including how they were taking risks in this setting which were then discussed as a group.

Everyone was extremely appreciative for this adventure. For Matt, "it was a the first time I left the country." Erin said, "It was a great opportunity for me to practice Spanish (her minor)." And Jim commented, "It was exposure to a way of life and a type of world which I had never seen. The trip provided space for growth in terms of my understanding of self, wealth, spirituality, and worldview."

Thank you, Gene Valentine and crew for your hospitality! And thank you, alumni for you consistent investment in the broadening of Bethany College students’ living and learning!