Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Frankie Conquers Mt. Alava

Frankie, recently hiked to top of Mt. Alava. She worked hard to get to the top. Congragulations Frankie! I ended up carrying her some of the way down because her shoes were hurting her feet. Didn't take Julibear because last time she only made it about 10 minutes up the trail before she wanted to go back - she was in riding on my back.
Final steps to the top

top of the world. Must have heard " are we almost there yet" a
thousand times on the way up, but I managed to keep my sanity.


Took a much earned break at the Fale on top and had some lunch

Hurtin on the way down

Other pics of girls
Juliana and Harriet
Exercising w/ the kids

my exercise buddy

beached mermaid


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Friday, September 17, 2010

Expedition to Rose Atoll

Recently went to Rose Atoll to do some field work. Rose Atoll is the tip of an old volcano that barely pokes above the surrounding ocean, and consists of a couple of small islands, a central lagoon and fringing coral reef. It took about 15 hours over rough seas to get there, but the trip was worth it. Rose Atoll is now a US marine national monument currently managed by the USFWS. The area provides an important refuge for nesting seabirds and marine life. Photos...

Rose Atoll and surrounding bathymetry
The mother ship - the M.V. Sili

Leaving Tutuila


Rough seas... even some of the sea hardy fishery and marine
biologists were chucking. I didn't chuck this time thanks to
Dramamine and crackers - thanks Terry.

Land Ho


Getting the alia (local fishing boat) ready for
transport to the island
First crew sets out for the island

setting up camp


Rose critters...
Hermit crab gathering


moray

black tip shark



The surrounding reef pavement is encrusted with a pink coralline
algae that gives the reef a pinkish color

lots of clams
Seabirds galore noodies, terns, frigate birds, boobies




working in the forest

Some members of expedition crew...

Smooth ride home

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