[under Photography > Misc because Photography > Animals is broken]

Just got back from a trip to San Diego, and while I was there I hit up Sea World. Finally checked off one of those 'things to do before I die' activities, which was 'swim with the dolphins'...

Spent about an hour in 50-60* water *shivers from the memory* with 3 different dolphins. The trainer who was with me was wonderful, and had me do several 'hand movements' which the dolphins were taught as different instructions on things to do, ie. dance(got a piccy of that too XD), wave, 'speak', hug *above* etc etc...

Was a very awesome experience that I'll never forget... I've got about 100 pictures from the dolphin interaction, this was one of the 4 taken of me and .. I think 'Spike' or sumfin, posing this way ^_^

(and no I'm not anti-animal - I don't think oceanic mammals should be kept in small tanks/pools .. what-have-u... honestly whales and dolphins require so much space only the open ocean can give and it is sad seeing these animals 'imprisoned' in parks like sea world .. THAT being said .. I was in San Diego at the time and was with my mom who wanted to go to sea world, and she surprised me with this dolphin experience thing .. Now the dolphin is already in the pool/tank... its not like by walking by and seeing they sell the opportunity to get close up is the only reason these animals are there, so yes I don't think its right to capture and imprison dolphins and whales, and I've only ever been to sea world that one time .. I take offense when people use this pic to start up heated debates or try to make me feel guilty for my taking part in sea worlds 'for lots of money u can spend an hour with a dolphin'

I totally was one of those saps who teared up and cheered at the end of Free Willy .. so yea..

awesome awesome fun...