Rain greeted us at 5 AM when we woke … but it was brief and the rest of the day was dry, if not really sunny. (Don’t worry, every blog post won’t start with a weather report!) We headed for Bailey’s Key at 6:40 AM and checked out who was active and who was where across the different areas. Our session in the main lagoon included 13 dolphins. Tank, Rocky, and Buzz greeted me on entry … some body rubs were had and witnessed. Manon got some good above water views this morning (feature photo).
There was floating seagrass and seaweed that made for excellent body jewelry and play toys! About halfway through the session, Gracie did several breaches – side slaps, tail throws, and back splashes – not sure if she was irritated with someone or just itchy! She has quite a few rakes. A minute after her last breach, she was seen exchanging vigorous pec fin-pec fin rubs with Trixie … and they were LOUD slaps at each other’s pecs! Though the photo below shows Tank and Buzzes pectoral fins! It was a very good morning session despite the limited underwater visibility.
After a quick breakfast, Manon joined the snorkel boat for a trek to West End’s “Aquarium” snorkel spot. The snorkelers were surrounded and followed by a school of Brassy chubs and Manon photographed one of them doing a sperm whale impersonation (see below)! She also saw squid and a stingray.
The afternoon was spent transferring video footage (from MVA, front GoPro, and back GoPro) and reviewing some notes and details for the student groups (CSU group arrives tomorrow!). We also reconnected with Eldon and some trainers and Jennifer, Education Director. We’re all set for our programs. Until tomorrow …
Cheers
Kathleen & Manon