Thanks for the Memories

This is it. It's my last night here in Ocean Springs. This is definitely a bittersweet night. I'm looking forward to coming back to Tennessee and seeing my loved ones. Oh, how wonderful that will be. But I still have this place in the back of my mind. I'm going to miss the beach...the people...the experiences I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. I've gotten used to having all of these opportunities right at my fingertips here. My reality is living in a land-locked state with a coastal dream. I'm probably going to miss that feeling the most. Just the feeling of having opportunity right here in front of me.

So, a tribute. This is a post for all the good times I had here on the Gulf coast. A highlights reel, if you will. If you haven't been keeping up with my journey, here's a recap of the past 6 weeks of my life.

My first actual day in class. My herpetology girls at the local beach.

My snake handling experiences in Ward Bayou in Coastal Herpetology. I was a beast at it. No fear!

Holding a glass lizard. Extremely fragile and rare to find.

Oh, camping in herpetology...those were some crazy times.

Biggest crawfish I have ever seen!

I call this snake my personal catch! I caught her in one of my traps I set. A beautiful Mississippi Green Water snake. She was my favorite. 

Black pine snake handling. They are the coolest. But they hiss...

The corn snake that had an affinity for my head. I enjoyed the attention. And there were obviously some legit pictures that came along with the experience. One of my favorite moments.

Kayaking on Cane Bayou in Louisiana. We even caught a juvenile alligator, while kayaking! So freaking amazing. Seriously. And beautiful.

Seeing dolphins on every boat trip in Shark Biology. They brighten my day, every time. It never gets old. They're such graceful creatures.

Making friends in lecture. Living humans and dead sharks included.

Participating in tedious boat activities. They were probably tedious to the pros onboard, but I couldn't get enough of it.

Having a first-hand experience seeing a 7-foot great hammerhead. Absolutely beautiful shark. So so so amazing. My heart jumps every time I see the pictures!

Tagging a blacktip shark by myself! Probably one of the biggest highlights, if not the biggest. I can't believe that happened. It still amazes me that I was there and did that.

Coastal Herpetology. Thanks for the awesome herpy memories. I had a blast. 

Shark Biology. You crazy kids. I'll never forget the amazing times I had.

I thank God for every moment that I had here. There's no telling what will be next for me. I will be patiently waiting for my next adventure according to His will.