Topic: Why my life does not suck
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
Last edited by ksuglennj (2010-06-27 11:26 pm)
