This is the most dramatic series of shots I have ever gotten
of a humpback in full breach. We had been following this guy for some time
hoping for a good fluke shot (which we got) so I was “camera ready” if he
should suddenly appear again – well, he did, but not as a slow breathing rise
to the surface but a full on breach not 40’ from the front of the panga. I was
incredibly lucky that all things happened perfectly and I got this beautiful
shot. It has nothing to do with skill, just pure luck and a gift from “The Whale People".
Full Breach - HELLO!
Here’s a shot of his ID photo – he is HB# 35 14.
I think he may have been drawn to our boat by our very own Siren,
Kendal Cook!
Neighbor and resident "Siren" Kendal Cook
My son Zack was there also and has become quite the spotter
and inveterate kayaker since arriving here. We ID’d 6 whales that day! Even
with missing all of February due to the OP, I am up to 47 IDs so far for the
season – not bad at all.
Proud dad and son
Zack’s workout regimen also pushes me to greater physical
effort and is inspiring lots of “sea time” in our kayaks.
One more “world class” fluke shot!
HB# 44 14
For those interested in history, here’s a little reality
check regarding national borders. If you are diligent and do a bit of research
the play of pieces and why they change becomes evident – think resources.
Speaking of history here is a picture sent to me by my
Estonian cousin Hillar showing my grandmother “Ami” and her daughters – (from
left) Adi, Leida and my mom Erika.
And here’s my daughter Kersti as a baby with her mom Macy.....
And Kersti now!
My sweet, sweet Kersti
OK – a little science.
Our Universe, or what is actually one member of a MUCH
larger multi-verse, has always captivated my imagination. Partially because of
my love for science fiction and partially because of my somewhat new found
belief that the WHOLE THING is IMPOSSIBLE!! I discussed this with my dear
friend Alan Pomeroy one day and he looked at me as though I had gone completely
bonkers (and who can say I haven’t?). The scientific community continues to
courageously attempt to open the eyes of the human race to our minor but lovely
role in the scheme of things while some folks insist on perpetuating a nebulous
and outrageous myth of special creation. Special we are, no doubt about that.
We have an efficient brain, a facile mind and a consciousness (dare I say soul)
that is absolutely CONNECTED to whatever the scheme is.....yet, to my eyes, the
whole thing is still impossible. Believe me when I say that I love it all
nonetheless. So here’s a little something to put in your pipe and smoke.
"It teaches us something crucial about how our universe
began," said Sean Carroll, a physicist at California Institute of
Technology, who was not involved in the study. "It's an amazing
achievement that we humans, doing science systematically for just a few hundred
years, can extend our understanding that far."
This is your and my reality - make no mistake about that!
A little closer to Earth and at present far more important
than cogitating on the beyond (though I claim my right as a thinking human
being to do so) is this reminder of where we live. This may also be used to
connect some dots regarding the history note at the beginning of this post.
Look closely please!
And speaking of water (my mind is a multi-lane freeway), on
the 22nd of last month Jean-Luc, Zack and I were out kayaking and on
the way in spotted a humpback coming our way. We maneuvered for an intercept
and before he got to us he gave us a mighty breach and then passed directly
under our kayaks as he continued south. So very cool! He was so close and the
water so clear that we could see his body as he passed underneath.
Then just the other day – April 5th, Zack and I
were kayaking and came across a pod of dolphin, a sea lion, lots of Mobulas and
two humpbacks. Zack gave all of them one Hell of a good chase but the humpbacks
eluded us.
I leave you with a picture of Zack’s contribution to my
“rock art” garden.
Zack's contribution
And an appeal for all of you to send this young man,
Jonathan, the energy he needs to defeat the Lymphoma that has invaded his body.
Jonathan
