When I spotted the whale spout the other day a fellow walker cried foul. She knew the whaling season didn’t start until June 1st so she was sure that my sighting could not be accurate.
Got me to wondering if anyone had informed the whales of this timetable, did they carry a calendar or digital device to ensure they didn’t break with protocol?
Reminded me that whales are super intelligent and I realised that the whale I spotted did know it was a week early! In fact I’m sure she had knowingly set off earlier in order to avoid the tourist crush. Smart whale!
Many years ago when I had the wealth I used to go whale watching at least once and sometimes twice a year. These majestic monsters are elegant, fun loving and curious. The smaller the boat the more likely the whales would be to come closer to check us out. Meaning that they would actually surface just under the vessel.
For those not acquainted with whales their body mass could easily have tossed the vessel about or their powerful tail could have slammed into it. But they were gentle and curious. Fiercely protective of their young but keen to get close and check out those crazy human beans.
Facts from the net: More than 30,000 whales make their way along the NSW coast from May to November each year. Known as the Humpback Highway, humpback and southern right whales are the most commonly sighted, but you may also spot orcas, blue whales, minke whales and sperm whales.
I have seen both humpbacks and southern right whales up close and at my favourite cafe they have interrupted my lunch by frolicking right in front on the edge of the sea. Entertainment plus
FACTS and PHOTO are from the internet, this action is called a ‘breach’ and they do it often
I had the good luck to ga whale watching last year. It’s a long process, requiring patience. But well worth the excitement of seeing them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely, our tours here have yummy morning teas and lunches with running commentary on the whales habits so even that cruising and waiting is interesting … so long as you are a reasonable distance from their loud-speakers 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Love, love, love whale watching. Our season here (Bay of Fundy between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) is typically July-Sept. We can see humpbacks breaching, finbacks, and minke. It’s a magical experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I went whale watching off the north coast of Iceland years ago whilst completing the circuitous route around the island in a vauxhall astra (another tale) On the whale trip we saw humpback whales and 2 blue whales, the biggest living creature, from pretty close up, I will never forget this and in a few years when i’m rich beyond my wildest dreams i’ll do it again. It must be amazing to have a cafe where you see whales.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so lucky to have seen them for real Kate. I havent seen one…ever…so it would be a delight if i will one day..
Thanks for the fun facts about the whale.
LikeLiked by 2 people
💕💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! what a thrilling experience, now I want to see a whale too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How awesome. I reckon that whale was just social distancing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
you know I think you might be right Norah, you live very close to the coast … do you watch them?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I’m not near the coast. I’m in Brisbane. I would love to watch them though – majestic creatures. I went whale watching at Hervey Bay once. Another time, I saw some from the cliffs at Point Lookout. One even came up and blew right beside the cliffs. It was amazing – unforgettable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh Norah I lived in Brissie for years you are close enough … Hervey Bay is my preferred whale watching area, the smaller the boat the more fun!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Close enough for day trips. Soon. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
go for it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely experience! Now I’m keeping a watch on covid, whale can wait 🙃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magical and what a wonderful experience, Kate. Never knew so much about whales. You have said it so rightly, who would they be carrying a timetable. We humans only want to destroy everything around us. Lovely post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting post about whales. I can image how wonderful it is to see them in the wild. I have only seen at sea world Florida 25 years ago
LikeLiked by 1 person
Magnificent, Kate!
Never have seen whales, but have encountered dolphins at the right time and place.
Knowing what an experience that is, I only can imagine how incredible it must be to experience whales up close. Someday…someday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The whales give an impressing show!
Love ❤
Michel
LikeLiked by 1 person
so very true Michel, it’s like they really want to entertain us … or maybe they are just enjoying life so much ❤
LikeLike
Beautiful! One of the best shows in the world! 😉 They (like all of nature) make life beautiful and put our human-bean problems into perspective. Again, I am so grateful to be a small part of this HUGE amazing thing called life! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
just talking about Xanga/you to Val … she loves the pals she met from there … feel like I’ve missed an era … hugs xx
LikeLike
beautiful creatures
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of the experiences I’m never had – hope to go whale watching in Alaska soon – we were supposed to do it this year – but…
LikeLiked by 1 person
excuses excuses lol … do hope you hadn’t paid for the trip? Heard lots aren’t getting refunds … guess this argument will continue for a while
LikeLike
Totally awesome. It’s on my photo bucket list to see a whale one day. Maybe I will. We shall see. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I certainly hope so Elizabeth, it’s well worth the effort if you ever get the opportunity!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thats a wonderful experience, Kate.
We can see it as a good omen.
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes what a lovely way to phrase it Rupali, thanks for that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an experience, Kate! Are they supposed to follow man-made timetable? How presumptuous of us!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was shocked at the inference but on reflection found it absolutely hilarious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The calendar may say one thing… but it is not until I see the first lightning bugs blink that I know the first day of summer has arrived. The animals know natures calendar better than us ‘beanies’ do 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
lol well said O wise one, only too true!
I will inform this lady next time we meet …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whales carrying a time table 😄. This was nice.
Did you touch them? I find them adorable but have never met them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
nobody usually get close enough to touch them, they are huge and can grow to 18 metres, weighing about 40 tons … so much bigger than the average boat we are on!
I did touch one once but he came up under the boat and I had to lay down on the deck to reach him … his eye was bigger than me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. Sounds so amazing. Feels magical as I am feeling by your words. 🥰😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
totally mind blowing, everyone should really have the experience to watch them at least once 🙂
LikeLike
I too want to. 😍
Thank you for sharing your experience. 😊🌻🌷
LikeLiked by 1 person
a pleasure, do hope you get to do it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
[…] whales — aroused […]
LikeLike