Herps of Arkansas: Forum — Why my life does not suck

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (mikemike) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:32:58 +0000

Nice, Glenn. Looks like a fun trip. I would have gone insane if I wasn't able to roadcruise at all. haha

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (ksuglennj) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:40:59 +0000

I would guesstimate 6-7 footer.

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (Copperheadman309) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:44:01 +0000

Awesome pics Glenn..any estimate on the size of the American Croc?

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (ksuglennj) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:44:32 +0000

Thanks all. The students did have fun. We had our issues, but none that big.

I should also add that I did get a lifer herp. I did see a huge sea turtle. It was while we out fishing and I was unable to get to my camera fast enough. It was my first live sea turtle. Based on size and color it was a Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (Eric East) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:18:17 +0000

Awesome!

Re: Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (Mystic-B) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:14:53 +0000

Beautiful recap, Glenn... they look like they had a great time... definately something interestingly different having the underwater & baracuda pics

Hope you had fun.. but... why would your life suck otherwise.. silly rabbit, Trix are for kids.

Why my life does not suck

null@example.com (ksuglennj) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 20:48:56 +0000

Pretty much every year after school gets out, UAM takes a Biology Club trip. I posted pics from the 2008 trip to the Gulf Coast, but have yet to get all my pics edited from last years trip to the Southwest. This year the students were dead set on going to Key West, so we made it so. Of course we drove to help keep cost down. We had just a few more students than a van worth and I did not want to drive a second van. So I offered my truck. I put new tires on and changed the oil. Of course I had ulterior motive of road cruising some. Well I was having too much fun with the rest of the stuff and never cruised a second. Only snake I saw was a DOR Everglades Racer, but we did see some herps. The other thing you will notice is that the quality of pics will change. I bought a new camera, one of those Olympus Tough series. It is rated to go under water and I did use it for this. Also it was easier to carry in my pocket.

We took two days to get to Homestead and we really did not sightsee until day 3. Our first stop was Bahia Hondo State Park.

These two students are engaged and both going to med school at UAMS, but enjoy the beach.

Anole

Most of the crew

Now to Key West. Of course we had to hit some fine establishment. Sloppy Joe's

The first full day in Key West started with 5 students and I deep sea fishing. I'm not the biggest fishing fan, but I sure do enjoy getting out and doing this type. We caught Dolphin (or Mahi Mahi if you like this name better)

Our boat

First fish on (ladies first)

They are a pretty fish before the color fades after death (ignore the rain drop, it was raining)

Our happy haul

Two days later we had a cookout at our hotel back in Homestead. We had fried and grilled. We bought a disposable grill at Walmart, it worked really well.

To keep with the science side, we did visit the Key West Aquarium

Back up in Homestead we hit the Everglades National Park and yes Brad we did it Robert Is Here.

Brown Anole

American Crocodile

American Alligator

Yellowbelly Slider

Florida Spiny Softshell

Anhinga

Baby Anhingas

American Avocets

Green Heron

Black-necked Stilt

White Ibis

Wood Stork

Manatee

Crew at Flamingo Bay

The next day we went down to Key Largo and specifically John Pennekamp State Park. A group of us did some snorkeling and I got to take advantage of my new camera.

Barracuda

Ruddy Turnstone

We hit Venice Beach to look for sharks teeth.

Dr. Bacon hunting for teeth

Almost tame Great Blue Heron

The last day was at Pensacola

Students at Pensacola Beach before the oil hit the beach

Sunset