Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Whales

Out here, every year around solstice on The Rock, at the edge of the North American continent, we anticipate the hump back whales rolling in after the capelin - shoals of small fish that they feed on.

Anticipation is everywhere, the weather gives the signal first. Daily, the fogs start to roll in followed by the shoals of fish, followed by the dive-bombing gannets, who mate for life and are constantly grooming, feeding and cuddling each other.




Then the whales drift in to their feeding grounds. They come from as far away as South America, an incredibly long journey, fraught with the peril of huge ocean liner propellers and other challenges.


Photo from today, courtesy of Regina Molloy.

Speaking for myself, I breathe a sigh of relief. Our planet is OK if our whales roll in.

It's an awesome sight and one not to be missed if at all possible. I have spent whole days, and many evenings, just sitting by the water, while hundreds of them came near the shore, some as large as buses. One time I was all alone and could hear their kitten-like cries over the surf. I still get teary when I think about it. The real gifts of life never, ever cost money.


Photo from today, courtesy of Clifford Doran.

Solstice and the arrival of the whales will be forever linked in my mind.

25 comments:

  1. That would be an incredible sight to see. I would very, very happily join you on your whale watch. And sit in awe, in wonder and in delight.

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    1. You would be so welcome, what an experience to share with you. I'll pack the sandwiches. It's truly unforgettable.
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    2. It's true that the best things in life are not things but moments where we can feel part of the rest of the universe.

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    3. I remember the old saying, Molly, measure wealth in life by the things that don't cost money. I feel incredibly wealthy when I see the whales. Such a privilege.
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  2. I can see the whales in my mind's eye. A truly awesome sight.

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  3. We get ebtauned by dolphin but afar. But to be amongst the whales, now that would be a pure joy! Happy Solstice 🌊💝

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    1. Dolphins and porpoises come here too CJ, I love how playful the porpoises are.
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  4. I'm glad the whales have made it back this year and hope you see them for many years yet.

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    1. Me too River. I got very distressed when I hear about them dying in different places.
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  5. Wow, hearing the sounds of whales must be amazing. I am a little envious of your whale company. Each morning viewed from my balcony at 6.56 the route 58 tram arrives down below and I know the planet and us have survived another day.

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    1. I love how we all have our touchpoints of assurance, Andrew, different though they may be. It's more and more a fragile wee planet.
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  6. I envy you. I wish that I could see some whales in action.

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    1. I know you would enjoy them Ramana, in a very deep and profound sense as I do.
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  7. That must be awesome to witness. I have never seen whales in person. Gigi hawaii

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    1. Their size along, Gigi, is such a shock. No one is quite prepared for the sight.
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  8. A wonderfully evocative description Mary, of those kitten like calls. The touch point for me in the year is the first scream from a Swift, returning from Africa and bombing around the sky over our houses in central Sheffield. The earliest I’ve heard that scream was April 26th once so from then on I pause and listen every morning when I open the back door. Glad to record they’re well and truly back.

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    1. I love how we adopt these harbingers of hope Anne. I remember in Ireland for me it was the call of the cuckoo, stealing some other bird's hard won nest.
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  9. how special! my kids have all seen whales off the coast here but I don't get out to the right places.
    what do we do without hope? it seems neccessary to grab all the symbols right now

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    1. You nailed it Kylie, we cling to the bits of it that we find.
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  10. I've never seen a whale, so I thank you for this description. Sometimes in nature, we can feel gratefulness that we're alive, even if pain and disability overwhelm us. I hope the whales provide you at least brief moments when you're transported out of your body.

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    1. yes, our internal memory banks keep us going Linda, there aren't too many of them coming in and that causes me some alarm but fingers crossed, there will be more.
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  11. All your pohotos are awe-inspiring, if not icebergs then giant whales, where I can only boast icefloes and dolphins. I would like to visit your beautiful island

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    1. I believe you would love it Charlotte. So much to see and the people are awesome, so kind and caring and making everyone welcome.
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  12. Jenny and I went on a whale-watching trip on some foreign holiday or other. Unfortunately the whales had other ideas and were nowhere to be seen!

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    1. Oh that's sad Nick, I wish they would publish their agendas in advance for us fans!
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