We have been seeing so many whales just from the shore (so far), and here's a lovely example of one of our neighbors this evening making a heck of a racket by slapping the surface with that giant tail!
It's difficult to really relay how amazing it is to just observe the whales around here. We've never been to Maui at the height of whale season before, and for the life of me I don't know why! There are supposedly 8000 whales in Maui county at the moment.
8 0 0 0
How cool is that?!
It's funny. Since I've started diving, I have a whole new perspective on the world around me.
Most of it's covered in water (this, just in case you haven't been paying attention). :)
I feel so much peace and serenity in the water...I think I've said before that it's probably Mom's influence. She was a sailor and loved the sea and the water so much. I guess I know why. It draws me and brings me to a place where I can find peace and make sense of the senseless (mostly). It's difficult to describe, and I won't take too much time trying, but it's just a different state of being I think.
Seeing these different animals and creatures that we share this planet with - and that inhabit the larger part of that planet - has given me new insight into how really insignificant the human species is.
It's also got me thinking...if we are really SO much more evolved than the rest of "them" we really should be doing a better job at stewardship of this place we all call home.
I guess I just feel more aware.
Anyway, I'll get off the soapbox, :) it's really not my style anyway, I was just meandering down a road that I seem to be on a lot lately.
Tomorrow, Goofy and I are heading out to Lana'i where it's rumored to be calm and clear. We'll likely see more of our friends while we travel from Lahaina town to the island and back. I can't wait. I haven't really ever seen whales to much outside of aquariums - and that doesn't really count.
It's just so amazing and humbling and...I don't know...AMAZING, to realize that you are on the same planet as these huge gentle whales that give us not a thought at all.
They come here every year to give birth to their calves and mate. The gestational period for a humpback whale (and probably most others, but I don't know) is 11.5 months. They come here after wintering off the coast of Alaska and feeding and "bulking" up. Then they stay here for a few months of R&R (if you can call childbirth R&R, lol), and then they head back on up to Alaska to do it all again.
They mess with us when they feel like it though. Putting on shows (or disappearing under the waves just when you think you've gotten to a good vantage point.
Truly Awesome in all that word is really supposed to mean.
Goofy and I are hoping to have a whale encounter while we are underwater...it's not particularly common, but if they come up to where we are diving, just know that we'll be happy to see them.
We'll post more photos when we get them (and can drag ourselves off of the balcony from watching the whales).
Take care, and most of all, take time to appreciate where we all really fit in the scheme of things...it's a big planet, and a big universe, and although we think highly of ourselves as a species...honestly...we really aren't all that! :)
Aloha!
M&G
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