Busy, busy, busy! Today began with the phone link to the aquarium. Then it was off to ID bottlenose dolphins! There are now 11 bottlenose in our photo-ID catalog. Next, it was the weekly DCP presentation. In addition to our weekly passengers, there were some added guests who were docked at the Big Game Club. Then it was Trip #30! Things are still pretty rough out there…After our snorkel stop at 3 Sisters, we attempted to head north into the dolphin grounds, but again were forced to turn around.
Category: Bimini 2006
It
Today we left the dock at 15:37 to allow for a snorkel stop at the Bimini Road (aka Atlantis). Following this, we didn’t make it far into the dolphin grounds as the wind was getting progressively stronger out of the east. After we turned back to get closer to the island we saw a group of 6 bottlenose dolphins, including 1 calf. Man, did the new digital camera get a workout! Hopefully I got some good dorsal fin shots & will be able to build on the new bottlenose photo-ID catalog!
Even more rough than yesterday
Why all this rough weather!? I did our phone link to the aquarium this morning, then went on the boat to be tossed about….We did get to spend 40 minutes observing a group of 9 spotteds from the boat though. In the group were White Blotch (#29) & calf, Romeo (#10), Lil’ Jess (#35), Swoosh (#36) & an un-IDed adult from Saturday’s trip. It was great to watch them, but then Captain Kat rushed us back to the dock before 20:00 with a big storm rolling in behind us.
Somewhat rough seas
Today’s seas were rougher than we like, but out to the dolphin grounds we went! First, we stopped to snorkel at Rainbow Reef & our passengers did well in the water. Then we all made guesses as to when the dolphins would be seen. If we played by “Price Is Right” rules, I would have won (closest without going over!). I guessed 18:18 & we saw the dolphins at 18:28. It was a group of 3 animals- Lil’ Jess (#35), an adult & a young juvenile.
Sharks, Dolphins, Dolphins, Sharks!
Well, let’s see. I spent the late morning & early afternoon entering data into the computer (we’d gotten a bit behind). Then, I got myself ready for Trip #26. Even though I can’t get in the water yet, I thought surface observations & photos might be worth my time. The day did not disappoint… Before we left the dock, we saw a dorsal fin, most likely belonging to a hammerhead, circling the harbor. Then we saw a bull shark cruise past.
Toothless Kel
Back to Bimini, right where I belong. Except, now Darcie is missing! Just kidding, she’s gone back home for a week & we miss her already 😉 My stateside dental adventures went well, I suppose. I am just two teeth lighter than I was last week! Pain is minimal, so that’s good, but I am not allowed to snorkel until the stitches fall out. Arrived back on the island early this afternoon, unpacked, caught up on emails, rested & ate soup with some friends.
Happy Birthday Kel!
Today was a great 24th birthday for Kel. The day began with our aquarium phone call, when the audience yelled a cheerful “Happy Birthday” over the phone. Then it was to a friend’s for a girls afternoon. We chatted, laughed, make a cake, had a drink and….Darcie painted Kel’s toes. Only those of you who know Kel will find this noteworthy, but Kel has only had nail polish on one other time in the last 2+ years; and that was for a wedding.
Dolphin IDs
Well, no make-up dolphin trip. Apparently our passengers lost interest. So, today was spent going through still photos- identifying dolphins & updating the digital photo-ID catalog. Then it was out to dinner at Sandra’s, a local spot in Bailey Town. It was an appreciation dinner from Bill & Nowdla to their staff for all of their hard work. We were honored to be included in this & had a great time filling our bellies & having work-free conversations with everyone. There may or may not be a trip tomorrow.
A rainy afternoon
Rain, rain, bummer. We had a single trip today with a group who is here for the American holiday weekend, but the approaching squalls did not make the trip very enticing for anyone. So, after waiting around the docks for an hour, trying to stay dry, the trip was cancelled. It is scheduled to go out tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will cooperate! Until then, Kel &
A quick phone call then
Okay, so today’s field report is just from Kel. This morning, Darcie & I did our phone call. It was a quick one; apparently the audience was being shy. After the call, we scooped up our things & headed to the dock for a day on a friend’s boat. Little did I know that the group had been making plans behind my back….As we headed north, I was told we were just going to a favorite fishing spot & I thought nothing of it. Then Darcie looked back at me &
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