Life of the Sea

Apparently, the whales were feeding further south than was typical. The trek out to them took about 2 hours. Good thing I did not do this from Rhode Island!!! Passengers, especially the kids, became antsy and questioned whether the company would successfully offer us the visions we desired. People started noticing flukes at a distance and the energy level mounted. Crew members were contacted in order to get the boat headed in the correct direction, but our novice eyes were making flukes out of white caps caused by our boat and other whale watch boats.

Then we approached an area that was occupied by two humpback whales working together to feed. Generally, humpbacks are solitary mammals, but they know a good thing when they see it. These two whales cooperated to keep a school of fish in their midst. Everyone started snapping pictures, including yours truly. It led to deep frustration on my part. First, the enthusiasm of watching the giants surface drove adjacent viewers to point and reach, providing perfect shots of sleeves and fingers. Eventually, the idea of getting whale pictures created a sense of reality and the line of vision was no longer blocked. Though the other spectators got a better grasp on viewing decorum, the digital camera did seem to work at a snail's pace. I would get a shot of a back and by the time my camera was finished processing the less impressive picture, the flukes had already exited the water surface and reentered. I was never so tempted to contribute trash to the sea. If the strap had not been wrapped around my wrist, I think the technological wonder would have found a watery home. While I was making failed attempts to negotiate with my instrument, three more whales joined the hunt. Five humpbacks were corralling their live food and I was striving to coordinate the timing of the whales with the timing of my camera. Argh!!! I got a few shots that I'll treasure, but the next time I go whale watching, I will have a different photographic tool!
We spent a good 30 minutes following this group. I am sure that if the whales had cared, they would have gotten a great laugh watching these puny beings shuffle from side to side in an effort to get the best vantage point. It was dizzying not only due to my movement, but due to the boat turning to be sure the whales were viewable from the port or bow rather than the stem or stern.
Eventually I got the last image above and felt I had a modicum of success.

Yet, the adventure was far from over. Our crew had gotten word a momma and her calf were playing at the surface. We headed their way because the momma, Niles, was the guide's favorite whale. This calf had been her third.

These two were not in the process of feeding. They were playing and frolicking in the water. There was an abundance of seaweed in the area, so one game was kelping. The mammals would push the seaweed up with their snouts. The calf also spent some time rolling around in the seaweed. At one point, Niles rolled onto her back and slapped the water with her fins. It was delightful.
I believe my favorite part of the excursion was witnessing Nile interactions with her offspring. She was gentle and encouraging as she introduced different activities to her baby. The compassion was touching. I would imagine that that emulates the type of relationship God desires to have with us. He is our gentle guide and role model. He is much larger than us and yet does not tower over us as he witnesses the choices we make. It filled me with warmth!