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Now, for those of you who don’t know me, I do a reasonable amount of flying each year & am a pretty comfortable airline passenger.  While I never felt that my life was in danger, I can safely say that my flight to Nassau was the worst weather I have ever flown through.  Through the pouring rain & consistent lightning, the pilot announced, about 5 minutes outside of Nassau, that it was possible the airport would be closed by the time we made our approach. 

Hugs & Smiles Abound

Checking in with Eldon, Teri, Julio, Samir et al., as well as the dolphins Morning came early but it was welcome with the sound of the calm ocean as background. I looked for and chatted with Don Julio, Samir and Julio Galindo. Then, we found Eldon and Teri to say hi and confirm a research schedule. Then, we got to join Teri out at Bailey’s Key to say hello to the dolphins. Actually, both John and I got a chance to help feed the dolphins.

The joys of travel in the times we are living.

It took longer to check bags than to go through security! The day was quite long but mostly uneventful. We had three flights and four stops with a long layover in Miami. The longest part to the whole day, or so it seemed, was checking in to begin our journey.
But, we arrived on time to Roatan and all our bags arrived with us … always a treat.
It was very nice to be on Roatan and to arrive to Anthony’s Key Resort and RIMS.

Prepping gear and packing for Roatan

Travel for the 2006 RIMS season begins after my KOL live chat It seems that this year, as we prepare for fieldwork, John and I have saved all the packing for the last minute. But, we actually finished stuffing all our camera housings, cameras and other gear into the two large cases and one soft bag before 3 pm! And, soon thereafter, all our carry on knapsacks (2) and briefcases (2) were also set. Even Umi had her “bags” packed and ready for her stay at my folks’ home.

A morning field report

Can I start with the painfully overdone question of, “How the heck is it already September?!”  I truly cannot believe it.  Yesterday I had a successful cleaning mission, a quick for-fun boat trip, and drinks out with some friends.  This morning I did some final organizing, had a quick brunch with friends and now I am headed to the airport for my short flight to Nassau.  There I will meet Kristy Beard & we’ll be gathering typical DCP video & acoustic data at Dolphin Encounters Sunday through Thursday. 

More data

Well, this will be a short, boring field report.  Today I did some data & continued packing.  I basically finished packing so that all I need to do tomorrow is clean the apartment.  Exciting, huh?    Until then, 

Ernesto who?

Well, for those storm chasers out there, I’m sorry to report that Tropical Storm-would-be-Hurricane Ernesto didn’t bring much of a bang.  With the boats safe in the mangroves we sat nice & cozy while Ernesto passed by.  There were some good gusts here & there and some decent rain bands, but really, it was just a day long storm.  Which means that everyone who has been through a hurricane before was quite pleased.  If only disappointed that the weather was lousy & visibility will be bad for the next week.     

Where the heck did Ernesto come from!

Well, we were both up bright & early this morning.  Darcie was up for last minute packing & Kel for the news that the projected path of Ernesto has shifted to the east.  This means that Bimini is now much closer to the center of the dreaded “cone of error.”  Thus, boats must be moved into the mangroves & supplies collected.  It is comforting to know that even if Ernesto does come close to the island, the impact should be minimal.  We’ll keep you all updated!    Until then,  Kel &

An eye on Ernesto

As we keep an eye on Hurricane/Tropical Storm Ernesto, we’re also trying to cram in fun before Darcie heads home.  Today we tried to tidy the house (still without running water) before our Bimini family joined us for dinner.  The dinner was only a small way to show our appreciation for all they do for us while we are here on the island.  It was nice to have (almost) everyone together.    Tomorrow morning Darcie must begin her journey home.