Hi there!

Since I work full time, I don't get many opportunities to join my children on classroom field trips. However, my son asked so nicely if I'd join his class at the Georgia Aquarium next week that I decided to take the day off and join him. I figured, "Why not? I've only been there once before and it'll be fun to see some behind-the-scenes stuff. PLUS, I CAN FIND A LETTERBOX THERE!"

Then, today, I get a letter to the chaperones with all the very strict policies and procedures for this field trip. We are going to be on the "learning loop" which is the behind-the-scenes path that field trippers take. We are not allowed to bring any cameras or bags or carrying totes of any sort because they don't want anything accidentally falling into the tanks! Normally, this wouldn't phase me, but I wanted to bring my letterboxing stuff! Also, it appears that we will not be in the normal visitor areas of the aquarium so I'm not even sure if I'll be fortunate enough to have access to the Shark Bait hiding place.

So, I'm wondering if, by chance, any of you have been on this "learning loop" field trip before and, if so, will I be able to letterbox or not??!!! I'm wondering if I should somehow find deep pockets in which to stow away my sig stamp and an inkpad and a piece of paper or if it would just be a waste of effort if we're not going to be anywhere near the hiding location.

Amyrica the doubtful

Sounds like a cool trip-I believe I would pack a fanny pack that was needed for "personal reasons"-that would not be a lie!
Having been to that aquarium last summer, I need to investigate where that box is so we can hunt on our next trip-what a cool aquarium!!!! We loved the Whale Sharks!

I have not done it, but read this:

Students are not permitted to wear or carry hats, cameras, cell phones, book bags, etc. on The Learning Loop.
Your group may be in behind-the-scenes areas where loose items can potentially pose a safety hazard. All necessary materials (including writing supplies) are provided by the Aquarium. Additional items will be collected and stored until departure.

That sounds like you could take your stuff and collect it AFTER the behind the scenes stuff. Granted, that doesn't mean you will have a chance to get the box, but you can take your stuff, just in case.

A thought: are you eating lunch there after your tour? And is your tour going to go be able to go through the public area of the aquarium after to the behinds the scenes stuff? Then perhaps there would there be an opportunity after your tour?

Frustrating to be so close...

MM/123F

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A thought: are you eating lunch there after your tour?

Oooh, good thinking! You could slip a slab of Orange PZKut into your sandwich; it would look like a piece of slightly off-color bologna, and nobody would be the wiser!

And if instead of mayonnaise, you ink-up your bread...

Just trying to be helpful.

-wassamatta_u

Thanks to everyone for the responses--especially wassamatta_u for making me laugh out loud at the computer and causing the funniest look on my daughter's face!

Yes, we will be eating lunch after the tour (bringing our own sack lunches--not in the Aquarium restaurant), but the teacher doubts we'll have any time in the public viewing areas. No one is sure which is why I was hoping for a little experienced input.

I did find out that Granny and Paw Paw have supposedly been on the behind the scenes tour (thanks to Chickadee for the tip), so I'm emailing them for the scoop!

Amyrica the soon-to-be-informed

Yes, wassamatta u, thanks for the laugh! It's really a pretty good idea: )

't'
dtandfambly

I just read that Ralph, one of the whale sharks, died very suddenly and unexpectedly. That is two major animals in the last month after they put Gaspar down...

Yes, I heard about Ralph and Gaspar. Who was the one inbetween?

"after" included Gaspar, so just those two