For more than sixty years, Mother Nature has transformed the rolling hills of North San Diego County into one of the most spectacular and coordinated displays of natural color and beauty anywhere in the world. The nearly fifty acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that make up the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year - from early March through early May - literally bringing the famous fields back to life. This annual burst of color, which has become part of the area’s local heritage, also is one of nature’s official ways of announcing the arrival of spring here in Southern California.

Have you ever wondered how scientists figure out the function of those genes and convert inventory lists into models and blueprints? What does each gene do and how do gene products work together to build cells, tissues, and organisms? Dr. Rebecca Green has been working for the past 15 years to decipher the function of essential genes.

"Cruise-In" San Diego, Dinner & a Movie on the Bay. Experience a spectacular San Diego evening with classic movie theater blockbusters while dining alfesco on our gorgeous outdoor deck. Cruise ticket includes dinner, movie, reserved seating and popcorn. Full bar available onboard for purchase.

Dr. Mark Sutton discusses the role of salmonids as a magnet that drew Paleoindians south along the coast and into the Americas south of the ice. Other colonization possibilities and the role of a maritime adaptation with boats are also covered.