31 May 2012

Aquifer Testing Course @ Camden Yards, Baltimore

Wow, did we have fun!  The 3-day advanced aquifer testing course at Camden Yards was one of the most enjoyable courses ever.  The max course attendance gave us insight about expectations for having a technical course at a historic Major League Baseball ballpark...but the daily excitement from a lunchtime private ballpark tour, early ballpark access before a game, a private luxury suite serving Baltimore's own crab cakes and other food, plus a 'surprise' visit from Baltimore Oriole's legendary retired pitcher, Tippy Martinez, put the extracurricular elements over the top.

 The advanced aquifer testing course was conducted in the historic Camden Yards warehouse behind right field fence.  Pictured waving behind home plate (farthest left) is Glenn Duffield during lunchtime ballpark tour.
Jim Butler in Oriole's Dugout.
Legendary Oriole's Pitcher, Tippy Martinez, visited our private suite during the Oriole's game to meet everyone, sign autographs, eat crab cakes, and share some memorable stories.  (Tippy is the only MLB pitcher to obtain all 3 outs in a single inning by picking off 3 consecutive runners on first base.....thanks for the stories, Tippy!)
Dr. Shlomo Neuman joined us too for this advanced-level aquifer testing course.  Yes, that is "the" Dr. Neuman who is the author of many landmark papers in aquifer testing whom we frequently reference in our professional work.  Shlomo along with Jim Butler and Glenn Duffield put the "education" in this event.  Thanks to the instructors for delivering a great and practical class that benefited everyone (according to the feedback forms!).

Most of all, thanks to the participants!  From four continents, we appreciate you traveling to Baltimore for the course and we thank you for the dynamic interaction and feedback.  We are touched and inspired by those we meet during courses and this course was no exception.  Your dedication and professional pride shine through in the informal discussions and your leadership made the course a truly historical event.  Thank you again, -Dan Kelleher.