Hello, I am a nascent native enthusiast, but I’m older, without the time and energy to pursue my interests to the fullest. I’m trying to figure if the convention would be an appropriate venue for me and my daughter.
I don’t have near the knowledge and experience of the people involved in NANFA, but Meredith, who is wrapping up her undergraduate biology degree at Virginia Tech, is like one with the animals; especially cold-blooded vertebrates and invertebrates.
I’m not interested in collecting any animals from the wild (maybe Meredith would a few,) but sticking my head in a stream and learning from those more experienced sounds like it would be a great experience.
Does this sound like something for us?
Thanks,
Guy Swartwout
Newby Convention Question
Started by
Guest_guyswartwout_*
, Feb 17 2014 05:33 PM
10 replies to this topic
#3
Guest_fritz_*
Guest_fritz_*
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- Guests
Posted 17 February 2014 - 09:54 PM
Yes indeed it would be a great experience for both of you. We have a very diverse but very knowledgeable group of people and your daughter and you would have a great time. I have over 40 yrs of professional fisheries work and have a blast at every convention. And we are having it at a beautiful part of NC, comparable to your neck of the woods.
#4
Michael Wolfe
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- Board of Directors
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- North Georgia, Oconee River Drainage
Posted 17 February 2014 - 09:55 PM
Hey Guy, great question! Casper is right (if overly brief... something I have never been accused of).
I think that there is a lot that you can enjoy and learn (maybe those are the same thing?) at a convention without taking any fish home with you. First, of all there is a ton that you can learn going out with some other NANFAns and "collecting" with them. They will tell you want you are seeing and offer their opinions on what works well in aquariums and what does not (if you ever decide that you want to do that, it is best to study up and learn as much as possible first). Second, there is so much to enjoy and learn (maybe those are the same) about the environment and habitats. What does a riffle really look like? How deep is the water where the fish hang out? What fish are found together? Stuff like that. And that is not even mentioning that it is just beautiful being out on the water.
And finally, and maybe the best... several of us are planning to get a few days of snorkeling in. And getting underwater with the fish is the best way to learn and enjoy (at the same time even) all about them. Face to face. Please do consider joining us, it looks to be a great time.
I think that there is a lot that you can enjoy and learn (maybe those are the same thing?) at a convention without taking any fish home with you. First, of all there is a ton that you can learn going out with some other NANFAns and "collecting" with them. They will tell you want you are seeing and offer their opinions on what works well in aquariums and what does not (if you ever decide that you want to do that, it is best to study up and learn as much as possible first). Second, there is so much to enjoy and learn (maybe those are the same) about the environment and habitats. What does a riffle really look like? How deep is the water where the fish hang out? What fish are found together? Stuff like that. And that is not even mentioning that it is just beautiful being out on the water.
And finally, and maybe the best... several of us are planning to get a few days of snorkeling in. And getting underwater with the fish is the best way to learn and enjoy (at the same time even) all about them. Face to face. Please do consider joining us, it looks to be a great time.
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin
#5
Guest_Casper_*
Guest_Casper_*
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- Guests
Posted 17 February 2014 - 10:07 PM
Several of us are taking the full option of staying 5 nights. Wed - Sun. The on site lodging, and meals included, is quite the deal. Some dorm rooms will be catered to husband / wives so you and daughter will have good options. Consider getting a wetsuit for maximum comfort, about $100 bucks. Mask, snorkel and hood too. Virginia Tech and south to Florida is prime snorkeling grounds, substrates, clear water from mountain streams to Florida springs. You will be enchanted. Things you have NEVER seen before.
Both of you will have a good time.
YES
#7
Guest_guyswartwout_*
Guest_guyswartwout_*
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- Guests
Posted 19 February 2014 - 08:51 PM
Casper, Fritz, Michael, and Erica,
Thank you so much for the enthusiastic replies. We have been enjoying American Currents immensely, and the photos of river activities look to me like really interesting and fun times. Meredith and I have only just barely dabbled with snorkeling and seining creeks, and we have sure enjoyed it. In fact, Meredith still keeps a couple of minnows we seined years ago from Craig Creek in VA.
I'll have to review our inventory of wet suits and such. I'm not sure what to do about cameras, whether to plastic bag my old Canon (which really would be no great loss if it soaked), or to take a chance on one of the waterproof cheapies. It would only make sense to try to capture the fish memories in one way or another.
Thanks again, and we look forward to meeting you.
Thank you so much for the enthusiastic replies. We have been enjoying American Currents immensely, and the photos of river activities look to me like really interesting and fun times. Meredith and I have only just barely dabbled with snorkeling and seining creeks, and we have sure enjoyed it. In fact, Meredith still keeps a couple of minnows we seined years ago from Craig Creek in VA.
I'll have to review our inventory of wet suits and such. I'm not sure what to do about cameras, whether to plastic bag my old Canon (which really would be no great loss if it soaked), or to take a chance on one of the waterproof cheapies. It would only make sense to try to capture the fish memories in one way or another.
Thanks again, and we look forward to meeting you.
#8
Michael Wolfe
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- Board of Directors
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- North Georgia, Oconee River Drainage
Posted 19 February 2014 - 08:58 PM
not sure what a waterproof "cheapy" means to you (everyone's finances are different)... but I would recommend a waterproof point and shoot... I will tell you that as a fish guy and a father... a couple hundred dollars for pictures of your adventure with your daughter will be well worth it. And look around here, you can find several discussions about some waterproof cameras (and hey... waterproof is good even if you are just wading in the river and seining with a bunch of folks).
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin
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