An almost phone call started the day, but technical difficulties got in the way. So it was off to a meeting with Bimini Undersea’s Dolphin Diva, Leslie & some potential customers for next year. They were very interested in DCP’s work, so if they do bring groups to Bimini Undersea, it may be good exposure. But, we’ll see… Then was our staff meeting at 4:30. Everything we chatted about was positive. This summer has been going very well! Tomorrow is likely a day off.
Tag: older content
Ah, spotteds!
Ok, so today made up for the rest of the rough week! The seas were still rougher than we like, but calming it a bit. We found dolphins at 17:51 including White Blotch (#29) & her calf. We tried to swim, but they did not stick around. They didn’t go far though, so we observed them from the boat. An hour & a half later, the dolphin group grew from 3 to 6 & they were ready to swim with clumsy people!
Trip #30!
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.
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.
Good bye Mikura!
Thanks everyone!
My farewell karaoke session went very well – you simply can’t go wrong with karaoke in my opinion. I sang a tearful rendition of My Way (the quintessential karaoke song) as my way of saying thank you to all of the Mikura folks. I spent all of the rest of the day on the 4th packing up my gear. On the 5th, I made my way down to the pier to catch the ferry back to Tokyo.
The season is coming to a close
Summary The weather was terrible for the last 2 days! The ferry was cancelled 3 times, and there were no boat trips. The wind was horrific! It did give me a chance to finish all of the video logs, which is great! But, as I sit here this afternoon, I realize that my field season… Continue reading The season is coming to a close
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