Big story coming up regarding
a recent swim/dive I made with a humpback whale while kayaking out at The WZ.
But first: A few weeks back I
got down to the beach early to do my exercise routine (3-4 times a week, while
walking a mile I do 6 sets of 40, 10 pd bicep's curls, 6 sets of 20, 10 pd
presses, 6 sets of 15 each of three different stretches and 6 sets of 7 pushups).
Then I swim 6 laps ( I’m working my way back after the injury to my back last
year). This was a particularly sweet morning because not only was the weather
perfect but I was also in the company of a number of my favorite “critters”.
From left: Sandpiper, Palmiated Plover and a Whimbrel
Brown Pelicans
Turkey Vulture
And a Caracara
Then when I went in to swim
my laps, I swam over a Tiger Reef Eel (sometimes called a Leopard Eel) and 2 Diamond Sting Rays.
Diamond Sting Ray, not my pic
Two days later I did my laps
out at The WZ and came across two turtles, dove to fast for me to engage with
but great to see them nonetheless.
A couple of days later I was
putting on my dive booties to go kayaking and……yes, another Scorpion sting! Got
my big toe and my sole. Sole was too tough for much of a sting but my toe was
not so lucky. I had to cancel my trip to The WZ, took some bennies, rubbed on
some cortisone cream and chilled out. They don’t really start hurting until
about 2-3 hours later. Urmas 170+ / Scorpions 6.
The next day however I was
ready to go out. Incredible day in The WZ. I went out early and was kayaking out to
the reef when I caught some movement further out.....panga, no, a lone humpback!!!
It was moving south and about a half mile out from me. The Sea was absolutely flat,
no boats, just me and the whale, I mean we were ALONE. I just knew I could
intercept him. I paddled like hell and on it's next blow series I was within
200'. I changed my angle just a bit and continued paddling....next blow series, the whale surfaced 50'
to my left. He fluked up after only 2 blows and I continued in the direction he
was going at moderate paddle. Then he came up again about 40' behind me and
coming directly for me. Too late to dive in but within a moment I could see him
PERFECTLY under the water just to my right at about 10' depth and 15'
away....BEAUTIFUL BEYOND description, the entire body so close, so clear, so intelligent and alive. I
kayaked above him, just to his left until he came up for his next blow and he
was right next to me! I could have touched him with my paddle. He fluked up and
I again kayaked in the direction I thought was right. After about 5 min another
blow, again right behind me. Grabbed my mask, rolled in and waited. Then he
came...RIGHT TO ME!! He rolled a little to his left side, took a good look at
me, I waved and dove to him. He continued on his way and I swam behind him till
he fluked once more. Too tired to follow further, but this is my longest,
clearest, closest humpback encounter so far! HOOHAH!!!! I feel deeply that this
was a gift from The Great Mystery and The Whale People, I would like to think I
have earned it!
I purposely do not carry a
camera when I kayak because I do not want the lens to get in the way of the
experience. I have missed some extraordinary shots but I am absolutely certain
it is the right decision. So here are some shots I found online that come as
close to my experience as I could find. These are NOT my pics.
This is how it looked as he surfaced next to me on the second series, except way closer!
This is almost EXACTLY as he looked when I dove to him!
Three days later I was out
there again, paid my respects to the Sacred Directions and their Niericas,
closed my eyes, lay back on my kayak and took a nap. The Sea was absolutely
still accept for a very, very gentle roll. It was like being cradled on
Grandmother’s breast and ALL was good with The World. On the way back in I crossed
over the reef and saw a Spotted eagle Ray. I have only seen one of these close
up 2 or 3 times before. Ran into him again, or another one, a week later and
had a good long swim with him. Clear water, ten feet away……tranquil!
Spotted eagle ray, not my pic
I would like to add this little
political factoid, and if it disturbs you…..well, take heart and watch the
video that follows it.
Some Truth
Sent by my daughter Kersti
We ARE a wonderful species,
we have great potential, BUT our connection with the innate wisdom (nature
wisdom we are born with, without sin) within us has been terribly mangled by
the forces of avarice and religious oppression perpetrated by a very few, but
EXTREMELY POWERFUL, among us. WE WILL NEVERTHELESS PREVAIL!!!
Oh, BTW: two other pieces of news. Mexico is in the semi-finals in soccer at The Olympics and two, I
may have a publisher for my whale book!
As my daughter Kersti said, "all right Dad, go Mexico”!
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