Our morning began as usual with a trek to Bailey’s Key at 6:30 am. The sky was overcast and thick with clouds. There was even some drizzle, but the underwater visibility was good and the dolphins … well, Stan, Buzz, Rocky, and Tank decided Kathleen’s fins were the best thing since “sliced bread” (as Kathleen’s grandmother would say! And see feature photo). This meant the data collection session was only ~12 minutes long. Don and Bill were VERY helpful with this AM data collection session and had dolphin smiles, despite the drizzle!
I was able to connect with Teri and Eldon, RIMS Research Director and Director, late this morning. And, I was able to set up a second data collection session for the afternoon (thank goodness for high tide and good water visibility) … with “the boys” in the back area. It was a joy to be able to observe Alita, Gracie, Elii, Tilly, Poli and the younger females (and Buzz) for more than 30 minutes this afternoon.
Bill, Don, Marie had a few nice dives today and saw many neat critters including a close, free-swimming spotted eagle ray! Morgan did the double snorkel this morning and got to see the shallow-water wreck in Pristine Bay. It was a wet, but fun day all around! The late afternoon has dark rain clouds threatening so Fiesta Night was not on the key but in the Frangipani Bar (for crab races, limbo and the Garifuna dancers) with a delicious BBQ buffet in the dining room. And, of course, brownies and chocolate ice cream for dessert! A great day overall!
We will try another early morning data collection session tomorrow. Until then,
Cheers
Kathleen, Morgan, Felicia, Bill, Don, Marie