Whales!

Monday, October 20, 2008

On Sunday evening, we decided to take a walk on the beach at Little Bay just up the road. As we drove down toward the water, we noticed quite a few white caps further out toward the ocean. The weather was getting dreary with the wind picking up and a growing threat of rain. However, we wanted to enjoy what little day light was left. As we got out of the car, we saw a massive whale breech through the water! Quickly and excitedly, we ran toward the beach and up the cliffside of rocks.For the next hour, we sat on a bluff overlooking the bay and ocean watching whales frolick in the surf. Sometimes it was difficult to discern white caps from whale activity, but when you clearly saw the evidence of whales it was awe inspiring. Alan thinks they may have been Humpback Whales or possibly Southern Right Whales. Both are common in the area. We also believe that we may have spotted a mother whale and her calf. We can clearly see two whales traveling closely together, swimming and blowing right after the other. It was an amazing sight! Traveling further toward the horizon, we soon lost sight of the pair. The weather was also getting worse with the wind blowing harder and lightning strikes over the water increasing and approaching closer to shore. Quickly we trekked back to the car, but always looking back and hoping for one last sighting.The following day, I braved the rain and weather to walk back to Little Bay in hopes of seeing the whales again. This time with my video camer and tripod. With the wind stinging my eyes and rain wetting my clothes, I searched from the bluff again. White caps were everywhere, but no whales to be seen. I stayed as long as I could, hoping I could see another exciting breech. Unfortunately, it seemed the whales had moved on and the weather was quickly moving in. Hopefully another day.