A lovely long day today. We spent the morning touring the local marine resource center and the fishing wharf area - the boarded a motor-sailing vessel for a whale-watching afternoon.
We had sack lunches and enjoyed them while motoring with the wind (hence warmer) and in sunshine. After an hour or so, we found whales! Lots and lots of whales!!!! There are only about 400 Northern Right whales left in the entire world, and there were maybe 40! in the group we saw today. They were basking and napping and playing and sounding and having what was probably group sex. It was an incredible experience! There were also some fin-back whales in the vicinity.
Unfortunately, we had not brought my long lens - so no close-up photos for me. And John's battery ran out, so he didn't take as many photos as he had hoped. But we did use up as many pixels as we could. In the meantime, the captain had gone to only sail power so as not to disturb the whales with our engine noise. She (!) was a terrific ship-handler and did a great job maneuvering in and around the whales, keeping us in close proximity to the group.
After an hour or so, the activity slowed down, and we turned to head back to the North Head Harbor. Unfortunately (again), it had clouded over and we were headed into the wind, so it was VERY cold. We put on all the clothes we had brought, and even huddled under some blankets they had on board. But it was still after a hot shower back at the hotel before I warmed up some.
On the voyage back to the harbor, we came across 2-3 humpback whales, feeding and playing. One did a tail flick, dived, and then did a full breach out of the water. What an incredible sight!!! And such a terrific climax to a super whale-watching trip.
Another great meal of cod, rice, broccoli (I got John's, of course), and carrots, with the most obscene 3-layer, 3-variety, chocolate mousse for dessert.
The program after dinner was a slide show by the guy who is doing to lead the bird-watching hikes and walks tomorrow. Interesting, especially to the hard-core birders in the group. But I'm afraid John and I both dozed a bit during the evening.
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2 comments:
What an incredible time you're both having. I must pull out my parents cast off Rand McNally and follow where you have been and where you get to next.
And you got a glorious dinner too!
care and huggles, Michelle and Zebbycat
Oh, my heart is breaking for you -- they made you go whale watching? Aside from John's hand, it sounds like you are having a great trip. Continued safe travels! Missy
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