Tags
Cetacea, Coral reef, Earth Day, Humpback whale, Polynesians, Southern Ocean, Whale, Whale watching
by Whitt Birnie
They showed up singing. While outside the coral reef, body-surfing in breakers rolling in from the Southern Ocean, I could barely distinguish their song underwater amidst the roar of the surf. But like a curious whisper which wakes you from deep sleep, their music cut through my watery reverie and I knew immediately that whales were close-by. Swimming full-speed to my tender, I was already planning how I might greet these mighty sea creatures face to face, and save the unique experience for others.
I did knowingly place myself in the right place at the right time for this picture, I admit, but the luck and variables to have it turn out right were staggering. The pink of dawn still lingered in the clouds. Early daylight turned the rippled surface a light blue. The headland background (can you see the features of her face?) permitted me to add to a series of related photos. The lagoon was calm, so I could hold the camera steadily.
The whales were snuggling together as they approached, almost as if they were emotionally attached. Then, as the magnificent male prepared his dive, his devoted spouse blew the remaining air from her lungs with such force that my body trembled with the camera in hand, my shaking fingers triggering the release unconsciously as I mentally strained to absorb every detail. In fact, the roar of her breathing out and in took their picture, I was just an instrumented bystander, and lived to tell the tale.
Have you ever seen what happens to the needle of a compass when you pass a magnet nearby? The whales’ passage exerted a similar invisible force, which changed my world forever. Little did I know how valuable prints of this image would become to a native people who treat these creatures as sacred: the Fenua’s Tohora, at “te ava moa,” in ‘the sacred pass.’ People still cover their bodies with tattoos of whales, marking their skin permanently, just as they have done for centuries. Finally, I’d found something every honest traveler wants, something personal to “give back” to our hosts, a marvelous people, the Polynesians, who have welcomed, embraced, tolerated and forgiven so many of us intruders, we who come by sea.
Amazing mammals. Our humpback whales went back to sea. I’d listen for their return, and was ready when they surfaced nearby. They may go everywhere eye to eye.
Madhu said:
How awesome! I would give anything for an experience like that!
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whitt88 said:
I’m not an authority on this, and you probably already know it, but over time, I’ve noticed that we all do have the ability to influence and change our futures. With a one-track-mind, and perseverance, you can set up circumstances and thus influence the random nature of life. You’ve been blessed with ability, Madhu. You don’t have to give anything (which might be dangerous anyway) — plan it in your head first, and then just let things start to fall in place. Uncanny.
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Madhu said:
You are right of course! I too firmly believe that if I want something bad enough I will somehow find a way to do it! Most people would rather sit around envying others 🙂
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~mimo~ said:
This is so beautifully written. You express your thoughts and paint your experiences so uniquely! I am so glad to have come across your blog from the sea 🙂
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whitt88 said:
I only wish I could do the subject justice; I’d hate make a mess of a subject I love so much. I’ll take your kind comment to heart, and come read you for inspiration.
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Louise said:
Wow, absolutely majestic. I have seen a whale in open water and it literally took my breath away and left me in awe. Such an incredible experience. Beautiful photo.
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whitt88 said:
The chambered nautilus you honored as an icon is equally majestic, both in looks and as an idea. As to whales, what you say is true; just being near them makes the heart accelerate and the breath come up short. Time almost stops. What left me in awe was that soon afterward, I became slightly obsessed, thinking about where they were and what they were doing. I found myself crawling around the depths of the oceans and seven seas, imagined them singing love songs to each-other as they traveled the world, until I finally said “get a grip on yourself, go back to the surface and make a little sense out of your life.” Anyway, I can’t say they’re family, but surely close friends. Hope to see you again soon.
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katemcclafferty said:
AMAZING shots and beautifully written piece…:)
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whitt88 said:
From someone as articulate, lively, curious, adventuresome and witty as you are, I’ll take what you say to heart, although I don’t completely believe you. The difference, of course, is that while I am an observer who records, you are an actress who creates. Your writing focuses our attention on what it must be like being a young, attractive woman today, and it is done tastefully and skillfully. The additional reward is that with you being young, and numbers being only numbers, with the conscious effort you are putting into writing, you will only improve. Thank you so much for letting us tag along.
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katemcclafferty said:
This means so very much to me. Thank you Thank you Thank you for your generous words. Oh and I meant EVERY word I said! Your shots and words were beautiful:)
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whitt88 said:
You are very, very welcome. And oops, I meant ‘I don’t believe “it”‘(good writing), I do believe you.
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Cécile said:
I’m glad i came to check your blog, I clicked “follow” last week but apparently there is no more inbox notifications for new posts? Anyway, wonderful picture and words. I hope I’ll be lucky enough to see whales one day 🙂
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whitt88 said:
Hi. Sometimes less is better than more. I checked some obscure box hidden under a rollover in the bottom corner of a hidden appearance page, and I got a blizzard. Hmmm, Now it’s stuck. The techniques are really time-consuming. Why don’t whales come to Switzerland ? The Swiss may run off with the America’s Cup and other sailing trophies, but the whales must be busy elsewhere. Perhaps one way to see them would be to see your sister. Seriously, the humpback is a sterling example of legislation gone right — with the hunting ban, they are happily humping their way back from the threat of extinction. I sincerely wish they repopulate all the oceans so everyone can go singing with them, especially you. Hey, your blog is really very funny. Thanks for dropping in.
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Cécile said:
I really miss the sea in Switzerland. There are no whales in Nice where I come from but it’s so great to live near the sea, so relaxing to watch the waves and to smell the breeze…
I’m pleased to know that humpbacks are protected and happy… and that you found my blog. I really appreciate your thoughtful comments :-). Looking forward to see and read more about your adventures!
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whitt88 said:
Oh thanks Cécile, and you’re very welcome. I’m really sorry to hear you miss the sea. I know what you mean. I’ve gone back to reading some favorite bloggers, plus trying to improve on this computer stuff, while wishing I could be outside too. You do give out lots of interesting and informative ideas at your site, you’re good at this. We readers get brought up to date on all kinds of good stuff, plus the laughs while doing it. A real pleasure to read your reports.
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Cécile said:
So many kind words from you, thanks Whitt 🙂
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ashleypaige4 said:
These photos are amazing, and your post is like poetry. I love it! I would love to see humpbacks this close; what luck!
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whitt88 said:
You are very kind, but you’re just starting off. Just grab your chances when they appear and you’ll be amazed what you’ll get done. Keep that love for the outdoors, the excitement for the new and different, and an appreciation for your hosts — you’re doing fine.
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Malou said:
I’ve only seen dolphins and was already amazed. What more with whales! Wonderful experience!
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whitt88 said:
Absolutely. That they come to the surface to breathe, often all at the same time, is marvelous. I seem to be developing an affinity to sea creatures as you’ve done with tulips. Happy to see you again.
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Cécile said:
Hey Whitt, I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award!
http://tryingtobeconscious.wordpress.com/2012/05/29/a-little-sugar-in-my-bowl/
Don’t worry, it doesn’t necessarily mean endless rules to follow, check it out and keep up the great stories 🙂
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whitt88 said:
Salut Cécile, you’ve got the heart of gold that goes with the ‘One Lovely Blog Award.’ It’s no secret that we always ‘laugh, learn and live’ by reading your posts. You rightly deserve the award. As for me, I followed your advice, clicked around, did the research, calculated, mulled it over, and finally decided I’m way out-classed in the award category. I may do ok on photo-stories, but on stealthily weaving thru the sensitivities of a competitive social circuit, please let me take a pass. Look, even you take these special awards seriously, and rightly so; the recognition, the pride, the applause, the traffic is what’s become important in society nowadays; if you don’t have digital web presence, you’re nada. Could you possibly apply your logic and bend the rules for me? How’s this for a deal: I’ll take Andrew’s advice and get some exercise, i.e. learn how to widget, link, press this, do that, and post well. Meanwhile, I’ll proudly keep your nomination as a vested trump card. Then, when I’m in better shape, I’ll whip out the award ceremony, to everyone’s surprise. That way everyone wins. Cécile, si’l te plaît.
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Cécile said:
Deal! I was flattered and happy to get the award but never took it so seriously. I thought you deserved the nomination but feel free to take the award later or not at all if you prefer, no problem 🙂
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whitt88 said:
Oh no, I’m very flattered too. Here’s another attempt at getting in shape. Thank you kindly for the inspiration.
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whitt88 said:
Well, I noticed a well-respected author considers you merit several awards, so you better take it seriously. I’m ‘tickled pink’ for you.
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marviiilous said:
what a great moment you witnessed! i almost envy you 😦
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breadispain said:
I love this post!!! While I was living in Australia and New Zealand I was fortunate enough to encounters whales a few times and each time they stunned me with their grace and magic all over again. Lovely pictures and a great account!
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