Wow, any reservations I had disappeared when I showed up Saturday Morning. Anyone that did not make it sure missed an awesome event.
Margi and Steve and the Saltwater U Crew, what a fantastic Job!
I had the honor of talking to Scott Michaels as we were breaking down, and he regarded this as one of the more professional and well planned events he had been involved in.
Eric Borneman, he definatly knows his stuff and I had the priviledge to watch him frag and save a huge table top acro. This was a case of having the world's expert in the right place at the right time.
Sylvia Earle, man what a serious honor. If I could just accomplish 1/100 of what she has done, I would consider myself to have a full life. Her passion for the Ocean and its denizens is unrivaled by anyone.
Walt Smith, Such a huge fountain of knowledge, I discussed at length some of the reef saving projects I have been involved in. (Actually only one truly and that was the "Liberty Reef" project off the coast of Jeckyll Island, which involved sinking an old navy boat about 12 miles due east of St Simons Sound and my part was pretty insignificant) His work in the Fiji Islands will be the furture of having a coral reef for our future generations.
Bill Light, I apologize I missed your lecture. I was involved in a few missions here and there that morning during the 9:30 lecture, but knew it was a fantastic lecture as always.
James Hrynyshyn(Gosh my attempt at spelling) of Project Seahorse, opened up many eyes in the world of the endangered seahorse. I never knew the collection practices in Phillipines and hope one day to contribute to the captive breeding practices here in the US and abroad.
Chris Hetlege, I missed your lecture as well as I was involved in some of the volunteer activities during the day. (Tried to give some folks a break or two and mill around the vendors)
Jeffery Swanigan. I was able to talk with him the night before and during the day at the event as well as witness the unveiling of one or two Georgia Aquarium secrets. Man, my excitement level for the new Aquarium has reached new heights and I can't wait the last couple of months for the November 23rd opening. Sylvia Earle is one of the advisors and I know with her help, the phrase "Georgia that state with the big aquarium" is going to be commonplace someday.
All of the vendors were just fabolous. Rusty as always representing Seachem with his great personality and his knowledge on all things chemical. The Living Reef with their outstanding display and I look forward to future projects with them and hopefully a field trip to Alabama. There was one fellow with the most amazing collection of skimmers and nitrate reducers. I can't remember them all but it was a great great time.
Thank you Margi for having the fortitude to seeing this to fruition.
Ray
