We had a different group of visitors than what is normal yesterday - the Girl Scouts invaded the Aquarius. We let them in because they brought cookies! They were winners of a NOAA sponsored national essay contest. The 6 winners spent several days in Key Largo, visiting the reefs, listening to lectures about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and they got to make a dive to Aquarius! It was a nice change to have 6 giggling gals visiting. They were amazed by the view and were more interested in sending e-mails and making phone calls than my technical explanation of habitat operations. So I gave up and joined them in devouring the candy that we have here.

One of them, Rosa I believe, said she loved one fish in particular, the Sgt. Major. I told her we have a few on the habitat that are guarding egg masses. I explained how these small fish are fiercely protective and will attack anything, including divers, with aggressive little pecks. These pecks don't hurt but they get your attention. She said she had to get attacked by one! I hope she received the attack that she so badly wanted. It's a tough ocean out there!

Thanks girls for livening up the place!