Bimini 2016: Day 3 – Dolphins spotted! (Also, spotted dolphins)

Yesterday was my first time snorkeling since I was probably six years old. While we didn’t have good luck finding dolphins, it was good to start getting acclimated to the water before trying to trying to photograph them. (Not that I felt particularly prepared, just more experience than zero.)

The other thing I didn’t mention in yesterday’s post… motion sickness. I’d listed ginger pills and/or Dramamine as things to pack, but I hadn’t gone further than that in the narrative. Knock on wood, I’ve never vomited from motion sickness before. Yesterday was the closest I’ve ever gotten, however, and several people were not so fortunate. It made for a rough start to the week.

Also: I mentioned that you should reapply sunblock on schedule. Yeah, pay close attention to where your hands, feet, and other body parts rub against clothing or parts of the boat, and reapply frequently. I didn’t take any pictures, but you’ll have to trust me when I say that the backs of my hands, down to the first knuckle, were reddish-purple from sunburn. It wasn’t pleasant.

So, with that to set the scene, it’s time to head back out to look for dolphins again. The formula remained the same. Early morning yoga (for those who could roust themselves at 7:30), breakfast, packing lunch boxes, and a bit of time to relax before heading out around 11:30.

Our first stop was Shell Beach, not too far from the channel we pass through to reach the west side of the islands. As you can imagine, it was named this because of the large number of shells you can find on the beach. Shocking, I know.

So, after a rough first day on the boat, it was time to get back in the water and face fears and sunburn again. This is how we grow.

This is me, getting ready to swim to shore, and questioning life decisions. (Atmoji Photography)

This is me, getting ready to swim to shore, and questioning life decisions. (Atmoji Photography)

One small snag. The water today was… occupied.

I’ve taken photos of jellyfish in captivity from time to time, but there was always a thick piece of glass between me and them.

This time, it was a lot closer, and much more personal. And there were a whole lot of them.

 (Warren Schultz)

Moon jellyfish. Lots and lots of them. (Warren Schultz) Buy this photo

 

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Europe 2015: Day 3.2 – Trondheim – Nidaros Cathedral – Gigapixel Panorama

After moving on from the Nidelva, there was a brief stop at a cafe that was recommended by our hosts in Oslo, on the way to Nidaros Cathedral.

Dark hot chocolate, at Dromedar Kaffebar. (http://dromedar.no/) (Warren Schultz)

Dark hot chocolate, at Dromedar Kaffebar. (Warren Schultz)

I can vouch for this dark-chocolate-based hot chocolate at Dromedar Kaffebar.

After the chocolate infusion, it was time to hit the main objective for the day, photographing the Nidaros Cathedral.

 (Warren Schultz)

(Warren Schultz)

This was the view from the side as I approached. Impressive, but not nearly as much as the western face.

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Europe 2015: Day 3.1 – Trondheim on the Nidelva (with VR panorama)

The plan was to down to the Nidelva (Nid River) to see the Gamle Bybru (Old Town Bridge) on the first full day in Trondheim, and then explore from there.

First up, food. As I’d mentioned, the hotel used to be a bakery. The breakfast area had left some of the original decor intact, including the faces of the ovens.

 (Warren Schultz)

Werner & Pfleiderer “telescocar” ovens.

 (Warren Schultz)

These ovens were supposed to be ideal for baking “Vienna bread”.

 

The view looking up wasn’t too bad either.

 

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FTA: Chicago, Christmas Eve 2012

From the archives:

I took a much-needed vacation to visit family over the holidays, and it also was a perfect opportunity to test out the Canon 6D I’d just picked up… whether I was fighting off the worst cold I’d had in years or not. I would not be denied photo time.