South Florida | March 2024

55th SEICCGTC | Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida

The Auburn Crew, Past and Present. War Eagle!

My talk followed Jack Edmonds, who is turning 90 this year. 

Since 55 is divisible by 5, this year's conference featured some especially incredible invited speakers - including Fan Chung Graham and Doug Stinson!

Thursday Excursion Day | Wakodahatchee Wetlands

A Turtle.

Some wild iguanas.

A Marsh (not March) Hare

Eyeing a snack?

What a smile!

This little guy was intent on getting some lunch.

Spotted some pink spoonbills on the way out.

Friday | Playing hooky in Key Largo

I caught Charlie Colbourn's invited talk in the morning before heading south to the Keys for the afternoon.

The famous "Stretch" - an 18-mile 1 lane road between Homestead and Key Largo.

I arrived around 12:30, so my first stop was The Original Mrs. Mac's Kitchen for a Coconut Shrimp basket and a slice of Key Lime Pie. Literally, the best Key Lime Pie I've ever had!

Views at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Spotted this little guy as I was sitting on the dock.

Had to stop in for my customary fridge magnet.

These two "African Queens" are one in the same, but sadly, the boat wasn't docked when I got there. However, I did get to see some pelicans playing in the harbor.

They enjoyed swooping toward the fishing boats before skidding into the water.

My Humphrey Bogart scavenger hunt continues...

North Key Largo

Second State Park of the day. This one is in North Key Largo away from the tourists with miles of walking trails. I walked about a mile in until I saw a sign advertising the local pythons. I couldn't get back to my car fast enough!

All in all, what an amazing way to spend Spring Break 2024!