Whale song

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Year One
Date: 4/8/2008 12:00
Weather: Perfect
Location: White Haven Beach
Author: Peter

Over the past few weeks we have seen a steady stream of whales arriving in the Whitsunday area. We are now surrounded by the enormous animals. Each and every day we seem to see pods of whales on the move, or doing the biggest bombs I have ever seen as the really big males breach. Two days ago we even had the privilege of seeing a tiny (still huge) new born getting taught to breach by a full grown adult. The cute factor was just through the top of the scale as it propelled itself skyward with all its might but still only managing to get half air borne. The camera is once again getting a really good work out.

About 8 whales crossed close to Luncheon Bay whilst we were moored there. They weren't doing any spectacular flips or anything but it was fantastic to see them so close and in such a large group.

We have all heard whale song while watching documentaries on television, a few days ago while snorkeling at Luncheon Bay off the top of Hook Island I got my first listen into these sounds with my own ears each time I dove under water. Needless to say it is so much better live. After exiting the water we could still here the louder noises through the hull of the yacht. Believe it or not it is a peaceful sound to go to sleep too. We look forward to each meeting now and have great expectations of what we will see over the next few months while the remain here with us.

Yesterday while making our way towards Border Island we happened to overhear Tranquility a charter boat with their anchor stuck at Chalkies Beach. There discussion with the charter company including a cost of $400 plus dollars to get a diver out to them to untangle their pick. Thinking this was a little exorbitant we radioed them and offered them our help as they were near where we were going. Two hours later I was on the bottom looking at the their chain wrapped around a rock the size of two family cars stacked on top of each other. They had done such a good job of it they were definitely going nowhere and had broken their bridle during the night as the chain pulled tight and started pulling their bows down. They weren't the only ones either as I saw at least another 3 anchor chains wrapped around the rock in various stages of growth. Pity I couldn't find their anchors. A few more spare on board would have been good. To say thanks the British family even gave us $100 when all I wanted was a air fill for my tank. Not bad as that will now allow us to go out for dinner for our wedding anniversary in a few days.

Tranquility motoring away from us after our successful rescue mission.

You know a turtle is near when you hear a "pffff" sound as they breath out. A bit like a whale actually.

Stonehaven, the most amazing place for sunsets.