Our last full day began much as the others with a morning dolphin data collection and observations. The morning was active with the dolphins – LOTS of leaping and vocalizations and playful activity (feature photo). It made for lots of notes and about 33 minutes of video data with the MVA, two GoPros (front and back), the surface observation stationary GoPro, and the drone. Gizmo checked out Kathleen several times!
We had a few questions about the data session before returning to the AKR dining room for breakfast (YUM!). Then, in the lounge we heard from John about his career journey and gained a small understanding of the documentary film business. We then moved to the classroom for another brief discussion about sustainability and a presentation (Q&A session) with Samir, the General Manager of AKR. After learning a bit more about the facility and its operations, we had a presentation from Manon about relationship quality in dolphins and pair swim position research. We continued into the lunch hour before moving back to the dining room. After lunch, we heard from Don about his career path through two branches of the military and veterinary school and his journey generally. Then, we reviewed the morning video and practiced dolphin IDs – we are improving! We completed our third interim survey and then had about 2 hours of free time before we could meet with Dr. Kanatous to ask questions about our projects. Then, dinner and a last gathering in the evening for an unexpected contest!! There were 34 images from which we had to identify the dolphins, without our notes, from their marks and scars – we concentrated hard! 
Isabelle and Jackson tied with 19 correct IDs!
Our impressions from the week are below.
Nicole – I had a lot of fun but I’m ready to go home.
Aradely – I saw multiple stingrays while paddleboarding today.
Zack – I was the only person to fall off my paddleboard today (several times).
Jaelynn – I wish I could take this class again.
Isabelle – My internal clock might now be stuck at waking me up at 5:30 every morning (Kathleen says my job has been accomplished!).
Camille – I had an unforgettable experience that will alter my future career(s).
Delaeni – I will miss the people, the food, and most importantly the dolphins.
Harry – this was an amazing and unforgettable trip that has taught me lots and has changed me for the better.
Tori – wrapped up the trip with some time in the sun and paddleboarding to hopefully bring back with me to cold and gray Colorado.
Jackson – I’m not very good at remembering people’s names when I meet them but I guess that doesn’t apply to dolphins. (I won the bracelet for the ID contest.)
Don – Fantastic group of students!
John – it was the most beautiful day of the week!
Manon – Good group of students and I’m glad everybody enjoyed the week and safe travel home.
Shane – A really great week!
We have one more data collection session tomorrow morning, then breakfast and a shuttle ride to the airport for our trip home. We had a lovely sunset that was fully visible tonight!
Cheers
CSU RAMS (Really Awesome Mammal Snorkelers)