We brought our snorkel gear to data collection this morning to be overly prepared for our dolphin encounter and swim, which were after breakfast. The morning data collection session was mostly quiet from the surface view. Kathleen said it was similar underwater, although Buzz was enamored of her fins and wetsuit, when not playing with seagrass with Rocky (feature photo). The GoPros both worked properly this morning and so we got a chance to review both sets of footage later this morning. It was partially overcast and so the footage was also a bit dark, and the underwater vis was not as good as yesterday. Still, Sandy and Kami found a couple of Sharp-Nose Pufferfish to terrorize! Sandy brought one right up to the MVA faceplate. The tiny fish got away from her and hid within the nooks of the MVA, according to Kathleen. Kami and Buzz and Rocky were very curious about the MVA and Kathleen this morning!
Our dolphin encounter was a blast, and we got to meet Sandy, with her trainer, Sandro. You can see we grouped up for our cradle poses (see below) and each got a separate kiss from her. You can also read our impressions of the morning below.
The afternoon provided us a dive response presentation from Shane and a Pair-Swim Position talk from Manon. We also discussed how to develop research questions and learned more about the scope for our final projects for this class. The game room became our classroom today!
Dominick – I’ve never been so excited to get accosted by dolphins – BEST DAY EVER!
Sarah – It was amazing to meet Sandy up close and personal. Also, I enjoyed learning all about research in general and DCP’s research of bottlenose dolphins.
Megan – Swimming with dolphins is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life!
Katie – I’m so grateful to have been able to spend time with Sandy and Sandro, her trainer, today.
Anna – I’ve never gotten a hug from a dolphin before today. They kept nuzzling against me in the swim.
Olivia – Swimming with dolphins was so much fun and now I’m ready to Fiesta!
Savanna – It was cool seeing some pair swimming from under the water and then listening to Manon’s talk about DCP’s pair swimming research.
Evelyn – Dolphins are weirdly scary coming out of the “dark” murky water directly at one’s face at high speeds.
Avery – Interacting and snorkeling with the dolphins today felt like I was a little kid all over again.
Don – while the students were dry inside and learning I was wet both in and above the water thanks to a wild thunder storm!
Manon – Thanks Georgie for making everyone’s swim memorable.
Shane – It was a really nice swim with the dolphins this morning. I’m looking forward to Fiesta tonight.
Tonight is Fiesta night! We’ve been told there will be yummy food as well as events (“crab races” and limbo) and dancing. It’s hard to believe we are on the down-hill side of our weeklong field course!
Cheers
The CSU nonuplets