A Rather Fishy Day

First thing I need to post is a picture I forgot to post yesterday while we were hiking in the park. This tree caught my eye.  Is that not awesome.  So spooky.

The morning swim has been taken care of and we are in the jeep heading to Sarasota to take in The Aquarium at Mote Marine Laboratory.  This is a nonprofit organization opened in 1980 to showcase the marine research taking place in Sarasota.  Mote's ocean and coastal research has been working for the betterment of the oceans since they opened in 1955.

The displays of fish were pretty neat.  Here are just a few examples:

Anemone

Cuddle Fish

Lion Fish

Clown Fish

Sea Horse

I can't remember what the last one is called...anyone know?  It is about 6 to 8 inches long.  One in the tank was white.. they change color to blend into the surroundings.

The raise the sea horses there.  They had a tank with tiny little horses born just a week or so ago.  They were about 1/4 inch in long.  So cute.

Sting Rays

Sea Turtles

Sharks

There was one lonely dolphin at the park.  It was a rescue dolphin that has been there for nine years.  It had a medical issue that doesn't allow it to ever been released.  They had a sea turtle that had been rescued and is completely blind.  The facility is very interesting and the work that they do there pretty awesome.  We watched a sea lion show.  They say it is not a show.  They train the animals to make it easier for them to give them medical examinations, take blood, study them and keep them exercised and entertained.

This girl could do a one flipper hand stand.  What do you think Jen!!  Can you still do these?

The sky opened up and the rain poured down just as we were finishing up.  So we packed back into the jeep to head back to the house.  As we were driving through Sarasota we saw this statue.
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It is called the Unconditional Surrender and is a rendition of the picture taken on V-J Day in Time Square of the American Soldier kissing a nurse August 14, 1945 celebrating the victory over Japan in WWII.

Another great day in paradise!!

Until next time - safe travels.