Class time and Dolphin time!

This morning consisted of an introduction to video analysis before we headed back on the boat.  It was another great trip- we are officially spoiling the APU students!  We saw dolphins for the first time at 18:25 and had them in view for the rest of the day.  We again were able to film with both the MVA and the Top Dawg.  Today we saw Tina (#14), Split Jaw (#22), Romeo (#10), Nemo (#76), Lil’ Jess (#35) and Leslie (#80), but the highlight of the day had to be seeing Billy (#64). 

A late appearance

Today Kathleen went over the development, purpose and assembly of the MVA.  It was a great chance for students to see the innovative use of materials to develop new tools for research.  In the afternoon, our trip began with a snorkel stop at the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis).  I’m not sure any of the students thought it was remains of Atlantis, but I think everyone enjoyed seeing one of the famed elements of Bimini history.    We saw a group of at least 7 bottlenose dolphins at 18:02. 

Travel, Travel, Travel

Man, I am tired!  But, everyone arrived safely on Bimini today.  But, let me back up….    The first week of the APU course went well.  We were busy with readings, class discussions and snorkel practice in the pool.  We spent last night in Fort Lauderdale and were up very early this morning for our flight to South Bimini.  It was sad flying over, remembering the lives lost on Chalk’s Flight 101 last December, but I was happy to be sharing the Bimini experience with new people (and of course returning myself). 

Preparing for field season 2006!!!

Does everyone else realize that it’s May already??!!!  How did this happen?  Well, I’m not sure that “April showers bring May flowers” applies to Anchorage, Alaska, but things are warming up and haven’t been busier.  I’m here making final preparations for the 2006 field season and Darcie is in Connecticut doing the same.  I depart Anchorage on Saturday 6 May and arrive on Bimini on Sunday.  Darcie arrives 28 May.