11/5/10

Fall Collecting Trip #11: Last Dives of the Trip

Well, here it is, the last day of the Fall 2010 Collecting Trip. I can't believe it is already over -- it seems like we just got here! We dove twice today, both pleasure dives (as opposed to working/collecting dives). Participants and staff alike took time to... well, take their time! Some people filled out census surveys on what they saw (learn more here), others took pictures, and some just dove and took it all in.

Sarah filling out a REEF survey

Sam enjoying the descend!

It is tough to summarize such an amazing week in words, so here are some of my favorite pictures from the last dives:

Queen triggerfish (center)

A goldentail moray peeking out from its home

A grouper with large isopod attached under the eye.

Colors of the reef (photo courtesy of Sam Benton)

The view from a cavern - notice the parrotfish silhouette in the top left!
(photo courtesy of Sam Benton)

Mariah and Sam (photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)

Bridled goby in a shell (photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)

Lionfish (photo courtesy of Sarah Taylor)

Flamingo tongue snail

Sarah and Bill with their REEF surveys

A pair of banded cleaner shrimp

As we make the crossing home, I am a mix of emotions. Mostly I feel exceptionally grateful and lucky to have been able to go on this trip. I have learned so much from everyone, and forged strong friendships. But with the lights of Miami growing in the distance, I can't help feeling a little sad that the week is over.

Once we get into the dock tonight (around 11pm) we will go through customs, do a little prep-work for the morning and then hopefully catch a little sleep -- our alarms are set for 2 a.m. for PACK DAY tomorrow! Stay Tuned!

-- Emily

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