A Day On The USS Sampson - May 17, 2008

Connie and I had the privilege of spending the day aboard this new Destroyer as guests of the Navy and Ensign Richard Martinson. We shipped out at 0900 hours and returned at 1630 hours. The USS Sampson is about six months old and was still being tested prior to being placed in service. Ship details can be found at the link to the left. The ship sailed out near San Clemente Island, fired its 5 inch cannon, 50 caliber machine guns, torpedo launchers, etc. It was a great ride.














It was a little foggy in the morning in San Diego














The rooster tail you get from 100,000 hp












Steel beach picnic on the helicopter pad

Galapagos Islands -April 2008

Bob, the Blue-footed Booby

I never considered the meaning of "endemic" until I heard our naturalist guide use it several times a day to describe many of the species found on the Islands. Of course, I can't begin to remember what was and wasn't endemic, but with the exception of Caribbean Flamingos, the species were all new to me.

I don't think Bob is endemic, but he could use a little more evolution. He needs to learn to "chill-out."





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