If thanks were fishes, I'd buy you an aquarium.

Since it was a bit cold and rainy, we decided to head over to the Florida Aquarium instead of doing Busch Gardens. since we couldn't go for some reason last time Jason was here, we went to check out the Victory class merchant ship, 'American Victory' that is berthed behind the aquarium complex. Since it was relatively late in the day, we pretty much had the ship to ourselves and after paying the entrance fee went off to explore the many areas of the ship. I've always been enthralled with old places such as historic ships, old factories, hotels, tunnels or warehouses for a little 'urban spelunking'. It is a shame that these places are either so closed up due to liability concerns or destroyed by transients that don't allow the curious to really appreciate them.

The difference between this ship and those found at Patriot's Point in Charleston is that this is still an operating vessel that does tours and trips in the area as well as working as an educational platform. Very little of the ship was actually blocked off from access, and we took that to our advantage in really getting a chance to explore. Besides all the different rooms, this was my first chance to really check out an engine room since most exhibits are all closed off because it is so difficult to block the numerous small nooks and crannies. After bypassing a few signs that I figured would not apply to us, being natural explorers and all, we found ourselves in many great spots, including tall ladders heading up the smokestack and into the bottom areas of the ship. We were found out by one of the custodians of the ship, however he seemed more pleased that we were enthralled with the ship and really curious than he was annoyed and left us to continue the 'self-guided tour'. Since it was near closing time we quickly checked out the bridge area and the front portions of the ship before heading out. Prior to leaving, we did a brisk walk through all the aquarium exhibits.

Afterwards we headed home to check out the movie show times and decided to go see 'Eragon' at the theater. While the acting and graphics were good, the storyline/plot was really, really lacking of anything decently substantial, so I wouldn't recommend getting thus until it becomes a DVD rental, even if then.