Was it Art, who was happily taking photos of one of nature's most amazing acrobatic displays?
Or was it Barbara, who was in complete and utter awe over what we were witnessing?
Or was it the humpback whale, the source of Art and Barbara's joy, who was launching its 50 foot, 79,000 pound body completely out of the sea and into the air, flippers spread wide, in what we were convinced was total joyous abandon?
Not once.
Not even twice.
How about 30 times?
Joy! Pure Joy!
We were on a whale watching trip out of St. Anthony, Newfoundland. The skipper of the boat had gotten word that there was a particularly playful humpback whale right outside the entrance to St. Anthony Bay. So there we headed and were treated to a most incredible show. Even the skipper, who has been taking folks out whale watching since 1997, said he's never seen such an extended display of breaching by a humpback whale.
It is now my pleasure to share the joy...
50 feet and 79,000 pounds of playfulness!
Whale researchers do not know for certain why humpbacks breach. It's probable that it's a form of communication. But when you watch a humpback breaching, over and over and over again, I defy anyone to not feel the joy!
Humpback whales migrate between northern summer feeding grounds and southern winter breeding and calving grounds. The humpbacks we watched on this day in Newfoundland will be heading to Caribbean waters in the fall.
This humpback whale was slapping its tail against the water repeatedly in what is known as a tail lob.
How close were we? Close enough to smell this magnificent creature's fishy breath when he would exhale!
Joy, Pure Joy!
--- Barbara (currently in Louisbourg, Nova Scotia)
Day 81
Total miles: 8,043
3 comments:
I just wanted to say, I check your blog daily and every time I see Janes beaming face, it makes me smile.
What a blessing.
Kate
http://cholulared.blogspot.com
What a memory-maker!!! These are spectacular photos of what had to be a most exciting day.
I have no idea how I ended up in your blog of 2.5 years ago, but I'm glad I did. Vikings and humpbacks! Who could ask for more? (Well, a mocha caramel latte or a mango lassi - depending on the weather - would be nice.)
I am struck that that last picture of the humpback looks strangely like a small bird flying, seen from beneath.
Thanks,
Mai
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