Our second day in Paradise began early in the morning with a big breakfast in the hotel. Then we boarded the tram buses and it was straight to practice. We got to see the arena where we'll be playing this weekend.

It was a tough practice, but a good one. Not only did we survive the two hours, but also survived the heat! The people in the arena were very nice and very helpful. As visitors in their arena, they made us feel like we were right at home. We also had the support of a few Rebounders and it looked like we recruited some new fans because there was an entire group of people who joined them in the stands.

Back to the hotel for lunch on our own, a quick team photo and then we headed down to the dock for a ride on a catamaran and some snorkeling in the ocean. While we waited to board the boat, three huge iguanas were hanging out by the dock. Shay Doron and Crystal Langhorne were the only ones brave enough to get near them for a picture.

What a perfect day for a boat ride! It was cool and the breeze from the ride felt great. It was a full boat and the crew was entertaining, knowledgeable and easy-going. We reached our destination near a small island out on the ocean. All but two players needed a lesson in snorkeling. Jade Perry and Shay were old pros. Shay even brought a piece of bread to feed the fish... what an awesome idea! She was hoping to bait the fish with the bread and get close enough to touch them.

Almost everyone got in the water, even the coaches and staff. We swam with the fishes for almost an hour. We saw all kinds of fish, some with amazing colors, many swimming around in their schools. Someone even saw a sea turtle (how appropriate). Laura Meckley, our academic advisor, was lucky enough to touch and hold in her hand a sea urchin.

Our bravest swimmer was B.J. Pearson, the four-year old of Director of Basketball Operations Mark Pearson, who after being hesitant at first, hopped in the water and swam around with the rest of us. Once he got back on the boat, B.J. and his sister Natalie treated us all to some of their dance moves....it was so cute!!

After a relaxing and calm boat ride back to the hotel, we had two hours before dinner at Paradise Point Lookout. We rode a gondola up the mountain to get to the open-air restaurant. And what a view! The island was all lit up and we had the perfect view from the restaurant. Before dinner, we were treated to a bird show... two of them even put on a game of basketball for us. Another rode a bike on a wire.

That capped an eventful and full day in St. Thomas. Before it was officially called a day, we took some time for some quick preparation for our game vs. Gonzaga tomorrow night.

Tomorrow is game day and time to focus on the task at hand. Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family at home. Enjoy the turkey and the time with family. Wish us luck! Don't forget to watch us on TV (Fox Sports Net, Comcast SportsNet).

Until tomorrow.
- Maryland women's basketball