Category: Bimini 2006

Our phone call today was a no-go, but we did spend the afternoon working on Tape 7 before our 15:00 boat trip.  Once in the “dolphin grounds” we passed right by a manta ray!  It is a rare sight to see a manta in that area (we do regularly see them -or is it just one?- patrolling just off the beach), so we made sure the passengers knew what a treat it was!  Next, we saw a single bottlenose dolphin. 

Today laundry took a record long time.  The only redeeming part was that we were able to borrow a friend’s golf cart for the task.  We have no idea exactly where all of the laundry came from.  But, it is squeaky clean now!    The afternoon included a great talk with the passengers and then a very intriguing dolphin trip.  Dolphins were first sighted at 17:24 when one leapt out of the air. 

The land-based part of day included Monday’s phone call, grocery shopping & video logging.  After that, it was to the dolphin grounds!    Our captain did her best to avoid the storms that were active in nearly all directions.  And, although we did get a bit wet, it did not damper our spirits for we were able to observe & swim with Split Jaw (#22), Billy (#64), un-named #81 & most likely un-named #78, among others.   Tomorrow will be another busy day & we hope another successful one!    Until then, 

Today we enthusiastically attended a Meet & Greet and then headed out to the dolphin grounds!  The Bimini Undersea crew teased us mercilessly; “Do you remember how to swim?”  “You know we’re looking for dolphins, right?  Do you know what they look like?”  The steamy, windless day did not disappoint.  Nor did we… we still know how to swim & what dolphins are.    We were in sight of dolphins for most of the afternoon.  Our first group was White Blotch (#29) & her newly-turned-two year old calf. 

So, we’ve had a slower few days work-wise, but a busy few days socially.  Kel’s mom arrived safely on Thursday & the three of us participated in a mini walk-a-thon in memory of Julian Brown, a beloved native who passed away in the fire that brought The Compleat Angler to charred rubble.      Friday it was our phone call & a would-be presentation for this week’s charter guests.  The phone call was brief, but good, however our presentation was cancelled- and no one thought to tell us! 

Today was a typical non-boat day of aquarium phone call & video logging.  We ended early though because we had a talent pageant to attend!  Tonight was the finale of the Little Miss/Miss Native Fishing Tournament Pageant, which we attend each year in support of all of the girls, particularly the daughter of Bill & Nowdla Keefe (owner’s of Bimini Undersea).  It was long, but great fun.  The girls did a wonderful job & it is always nice to see so many members of a community come out in support of their children. 

Are you all getting sick of us writing about how are plans never seem to pan out lately?  ‘Cause we’re getting a little sick of telling you about it 😉    We arrived at swim camp at 9 a.m.

Today is the Bahamian holiday in celebration of the end of slavery here.  Technically referred to as “Emancipation Day,” today is better known as “August Monday.”  It’s August.  It’s Monday.  Those clever Bahamians 😉    At any rate, the holiday meant that no kids showed up for the second round of swim camp. 

Nothing has been going according to plan lately, so we suppose we’d better just get used to it.  Today’s walk-in boat trip was cancelled due to high winds.  Although we are grateful that Tropical Storm Chris fizzled into nothing, it hasn’t completely faded & is leaving us with 20+ mph winds.    So, it was another “office” day.  We went to a friend’s for high speed internet to send a few large emails & then it was video time.  We’re quite pleased with our resighting rate this year &

Although we should be accustomed to the fact that everything on Bimini takes longer than elsewhere, today proved it once again.  Our day began efficiently enough with an engaging presentation to this week’s charter group.  Although we are not present on the boat, we were happy to share our work & hear their experiences with the animals.  Immediately following this discussion, it was back home for our phone link with the aquarium – as usual, a great set of questions from the audience!    Next it was errands time.  Just the bank & grocery shopping.