Consider this your winter palate-cleanser.
Traveled recently along the Pacific version of the ‘humpback highway’. The off-ramp we exited was Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Cabo sits on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula and many-a humpback whale travel from the waters around Alaska south along the western coast of the U.S. The whales have their calves, mate, spout, and enjoy tasty margaritas and fajitas while they visit during the months of December through March.
We got up early in the morning.
A couple of days, we played golf.
The morning we left for the whale adventure, we were greeted by this friendly fellow. Natives said it was necessary to protect your catch. The bold sea-lion would steal an entire marlin from the back of a boat.
As our ship rounded the famous arches, we spied interesting wildlife.
We laughed at the comedic colony of sea-lions basking on a rock.
Our guide told us to watch the horizon for spouting.
Wish I had a spectacular whale-breeching photo to share with you. Our guide said breeching was a relatively rare behavior. It is used by the male to attract a female. Guess the guys were doing OK the day we visited. The humpbacks can exceed 50 feet in length and weigh 30 to 50 tons.
Notice the portion of quiet water in the next photo? Seems the skin of the whale leaves an oily patch on the surface of the water to make a footprint. These flat places can hold together for 15 minutes or so. When you see these ‘quiet places’ among the sea chop…..whales are nearby.
The guide told us that after you see the whale’s tale in the air (they are diving), they will return to the surface in 8 to 10 minutes for air. She was right. They came up like clockwork.
Our guide was intent on taking photos of these tail sightings. She explained each whale’s tale was equivalent to a human fingerprint. The color, spots and unique shapes were used to identify the whales. She stated the scientists studying the whales could match the photos of tails taken off the waters of Alaska to the tail photos of the Cabo whales. Positive proof of how far these behemoths travel every year!
Are you thinkin’ what I’m thinkin’?
Could this theory possibly apply to humans?
Appears to be at least a 30-tonner to me. Word is this tail has currently migrated to West Texas. Keep your camera ready for confirmation.
Puttin’-on-blubber love to all.
