Sea Log - Day Two Continued- Jan. 8th, 2002 (Tuesday)

The actual aquarium is an impressive place.  Walking in the visitor is confronted by a full floor of penguin activities.  The entire floor is dug down to create a pit with rocks surrounded by a green pool in which the birds play and preen for visitors.  Note several of the pictures here came from the New England Aquarium's web site (with permission).  You can visit them and see not only images but streaming videos of the various exhibits here.

Towards either the left or the right is a ramp which goes around the centerpiece of the aquarium, its Caribbean Coral Reef Exhibit (or the giant ocean tank).

The 200,000 gallon tank is the centerpiece of the New England Aquarium, and it is one of the region's most popular underwater exhibits. The reef accommodates not only sharks, sea turtles, barracuda and moray, but also hundreds of smaller exotic tropical fishes, and it is one of the most detailed and scientifically accurate recreations of its kind.

The thing is huge.  And as one walks up the ramp there is always a new fish or turtle or something floating by.  They keep the water moving so there is a current constantly, and they keep their sharks well fed so that they do not continuously lose some of their other exhibits.  Still little can prepare one for the moment when while standing by the tank the huge face of a tiger shark comes gracefully out of nowhere.  I got a bit of a charge watching Jeremy's reaction when one of those monsters caught him unawares:

Another great exhibit enjoyed by us was on the Watership Discovery which is actually a floating sort of sea world.  The main attraction are the sea lions.     I noted, however, that the animals did not jump at their care-takers commands.  More than one one had to be returned to the unseen large tank because he just did not want to play today.  This actually pleased me in that I felt that the aquarium was still more interested in the animals for who they are rather than as performers.  Still the sea lions did do a whole series of tricks and demonstrations of their abilities, but there is also a strong environmental emphasis as the speakers usually warn that even casual garbage can cause these animals difficulty. . .even deadly difficulty.  

One of the funny moments was the Sea Lion kiss.  Various members of the audience were encouraged to come down and have their cheek kissed by a Sea Lion.  None of our group volunteered although a whole stream of children did.  Perhaps since children are trusting they are open to new experiences.  Or maybe we adults know too much information. An adult male California sea lions can reach 1,000 pounds in weight and 7 feet in length. Adult females can grow to 350 pounds and 6 feet in length.

Later that day we walked down to a landmark (well, that's what they say) in historic Faneuil Hall, Durgin Park. 

Before I made it there I ran into two women who were out there in the cold soliciting people to help fill out surveys.  I took pity and besides they promised to pay me five dollars for my time.  The thing was when I got there I realized that it was my beloved wife, Loretta, who knew the answers to all their questions.  So I made up what I hoped sounded like reasonable answers: 

I just hope they don't read this and call to demand their five bucks back!

The restaurant is famous for its steaks, chops, and seafood prepared in the New England tradition. It was fabulous.  I warned the group that the tradition of Durgin Park is that the waitresses are supposed to be abusive and that you can be abusive back.  But we got a nice one, which is just as well.  I'm not certain how abusive a group of Nazarene students from Ohio would have been.  I am pleased to note here that David Baker ate his full to his heart's content.

The aquarium is not only spectacular in itself it is located right on the Boston Harbor and so we got a good view of even ships at rest.  Of course nothing can really pass on to you the reader what it looks like.  Photography is an act of futility.

So here's Michael attempting the impossible:

Here's my attempt:

Clearly the day was nearing its conclusion.  There's more than anyone can see in a day at the New England Aquarium, but we did our best and finally returned to Quincy and ENC by around 5:00, just in time for the evening meal.