Week 3!

This week was exhausting but exciting! I will admit I was very nervous to do the 24 hour sampling but it was definitely rewarding. It was a nice glimpse into what would be expected of us in the field. From Day 1 we were out in the field with our hands in the water collecting samples and running tests. It was nice to start out on the dunes and coquina rocks before our long night switching between murky, muddy lake water and rushing river water filled with critters. (Definitely use the fish cam at night in the dam! So many critters!) Ending the week on the boat in the St. John's River was a nice way to wind down after our caffeine induced adventure at the park. (I never want to see another Red Bull can again now!) Although we were slightly stressed and sleep-deprived our last night on UNF's campus, I definitely feel that our time has made this group closer. I'm excited to revisit the Keys Marine Lab and see what's in store for our little FIO family there. So far within the first five minutes of us arriving we have seen spiny lobsters, puffer fish, parrot fish, barracuda, and my favorite the nurse shark! This next week will be just as rewarding as lasts!