Before our big race, TOPP researchers put satellite tags on 35 of us Costa Rican leatherbacks in 2004 and 2005. That proved that we could do our Great Race in April. Everyone knows who won that: Billie, with Stephanie Colburtle coming in second (we heard a lot of whinging about that from a certain unnamed namesake).

As we paddled past the Galapagos, we engaged in some friendly deep-dive, breath-holding contests. LOTS of winners in these events. First place in deep diving: Turtleocity!!! to 2,998 feet! In second place was practically everybody else -- Billie, Stephanie, Windy, Purple Lightning, Genevieve, Drexelina and me -- to 2,893 feet. Mighta been a bunch of jellies, mighta been a really cold layer that we didn't want to swim in, mighta been that our satellite tags just rounded out our dives. We're not telling. ;-)  In third place, Champiro, who dove a respectable 2,159 feet.

The breath-holding contest winner ended up in a four-way tie: Turtleocity, Genevieve, Stephanie and Sundae all held their breath 55 minutes and 10 seconds. Wow!! Drexelina and I came in second place at 53 minutes and 50 seconds. (I just couldn't hold on ONE MORE SECOND!!) Windy and Purple Lightning held onto third place with 52 minutes and 30 seconds.

Congratulations to everyone!

Stay tuned: Big announcement coming up on Thursday, June 21.