The tiny village of Woods Hole.

Home to the famous oceanographic institute… where you can visit, but can’t park your car.

Also home to a drawbridge….

And some wonderfully odd ships popping out of nowhere.

Our original plan was to visit the institute but when we realized we’d have to park downtown and walk ( in a 20 degree wind chill, after just hiking the Knob in a 20 degree wind chill)  we opted for the aquarium instead.

I’d read it was small and didn’t get my hopes up…

But they actually had a large diversity of  marine life….

As well as some fascinating exhibits.

No, not all the fish were pretty.

But it’s the weirdos I like best anyway.

Like this fellow….

And his large friend.

Pardon all the background noise, it was rather crowded the day we went.

Did anyone else realize loggerhead turtles were so freakin’ big?

Here’s someone you don’t want to step on accidentally.

This next guy looks my husband’s grumpy uncle.

Imagine having that stare at you across the Christmas dinner table every year.

Fish scales can be counted like tree rings?

Another thing I didn’t know.

I was beyond thrilled they had Lion Fish.

They’re my favorite!

Okay, yes.

They’re poisonous as hell and would just as soon kill you as look at you…

But aren’t they grand?

I mean come on…

Wouldn’t you risk a little venom…

To sidle up next to one of these beauties?