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Last week I was on two lakes in the Son Tay region, Hanoi Province, Vietnam. We were looking for the most endangered turtle species in the world, the Yangtze Giant Softshell turtle, Rafetus swinhoeii (a 300+ pound softshell turtle). There are only 4 known in existence, and we were checking another lake for a potential 5th individual. It took me a few days to learn, but I had to give this a try. It is very difficult for foreigners because we tend to be slightly taller than the Vietnamese, but nothing is impossible. Though we didn't see any turtles (this time), I hope to return in the dry season and try again. It was an incredible experience. Who would have thunk? I often had to tell myself something like this to bring myself to the reality of it: :) My name is Grover Brown. I like turtles. I recently moved to Vietnam, for the turtles of course. I was rowing a boat, with my feet, looking for the world's rarest turtle species with two Vietnamese friends. I don't think I could be any happier.