This was my first pilgrimage to Daytona and I had such a great time. I managed to get around to every table and got to meet so many people from the forum and other snake circles. My wife was laughing at me as I pointed out all of the "Big Name" people in our hobby. It was an honor to meet all of you and to talk shop for a little while. Here are some highlights:
Celia Chien and Sean Bradly of Exotics by Nature had some really pretty boas (as well as some hypo BRBs) at their table. It was very nice to meet you guys (By the way, I saw your calendar).
Brian Sharp was really great to talk to. He had some impressive balls (that will ALWAYS be funny) and a nice anery BRB. I also got to meet a guy he works with named Matt who was very nice.
I finally got to meet the legendary Jeff Clark and get alook at his impressive array of snakes. He had some really exceptional looking BRBs down in the front row.
The last face of the day that I got to talk to (I was actually on my way out and had almost given up on meeting him... but then I saw the orange shirt) was Bryan Hummel. I really enjoyed our conversation that started (of course) with hypo BRBs but then wound its way into other species, genetics, and and into field biology. My wife and I had to go but I think I could have easily talked your ear off for another hour or two.
Other highlights included talking to my friends John and Ron at the East Bay Vivarium table, seeing Philippe de Vosjoli (I was much to nervous to talk to him), and getting a look inside the Chondro Coalition's display.
I didn't come home with any animals this time, although Andrew Kelly had a Pacific x Testarosa chondro that is just beautiful and was very tempting. If I wasn't at full capacity, it would be mine. I did purchase a few t-shirts and some provent-A-mite from Bob Pound over at Pro-Products. He's also a great guy to talk to. I've been purchasing heat panels from him for a few years. I've always been impressed with his professionalism and knowlege about his product. It's no different with the Provent-A-Mite.
Russ, like you mentioned earlier, we probably walked past each other a few times but didn't even know it. Sorry we didn't get the opportunity to chat. I would really like to return to the show next year though.
Everybody also keep in mind that the Anaheim and Sacramento Expos are coming up in the fall. I'll be at both and would really love to meet more of the BRB folks. lease stop by the booth and chat for a bit O.K.
By the way, I returned home to some beautiful, freshly shed baby BRBs. I'll post on them later today or later this week.
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Mike Lockwood
www.tooscaley.com
but I'll get over it someday but not to soon though lol