Share-a-Story 080709

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The Share-a-Story page is intended as a place where OCCI members, and the public can share their marine related experiences and anecdotes. If you would like to see your story here send the text and photos to the email below. Remember, keep it positive!

Made by Serif

WHALE of a TIME

by Peter Adderley

I went out on one of Jeannie's whale viewing trips this morning. Amidst the light showers and the 2-3 metre swell it was a great day of observations of all kinds.

Firstly I had a feeling there were people like Ruth and Ralph on board because of so many people calling out their names over the side. It was a tad rough and even I was becoming curious of what I'd eaten for breakfast. But the best way to deal with this condition is get out in the fresh air and ride the boat like a surfboard.

Although there were plenty of Humpback whales around us there didn't seem to be very much activity. I just missed two impressive breaches where the whale was almost completely airborne but alas it happens in the wink of an eye and both were a fair way away.

As we left Broken Bay we travelled down to about Whale Beach (no pun intended) and then moved slowly amongst the whales up to about Maitland Bay, sneaking between the numerous pods of whales and the rain-clouds. Although I've flown over this section of the coast, seeing it from a boat was something I found quite fascinating.

The third aspect of the day was the birds. It's a different world out there off the coast and something I'd never experienced before. We saw this bird

which I now believe to be a Great Skua, and also a couple of Albatrosses. Such grace and beauty!

If we'd not even seen a single whale today I'd do it all again, as it's hard to imagine what a different world it is out there and all so very close to where we live.

8 July 2009