I believe that whales are one of God's most magnificent creatures. Not only are they beautiful, they are intelligent and delightful to behold. I was blessed to take go on a "whale watch" during a trip to Boston a few years ago. We were told we would sail out for about 2 hours and then return. Alas, although it was a beautiful (but cool) day, we saw no whales on the ride out.
The young people on the trip had all crowded around the bow for the first hour or so but slowly made their way inside or up top to rest, relax, get warm and enjoy the sunshine. I, and a few of the other adults, took this opportunity to stand at the very forward tip of the bow. This had been a life long dream and I was determined to keep an eye open for even the slightest contact. Just about the time we had reached the limit of our trip, the Marine Biologist on board came up and pointed ahead. It was a pectoral fin...slapping the water! As we got closer, she told us that this was actually a baby...it was only 20 feet long or so. She told us to keep our eyes open, that the baby was playing while mother fed and that the mother would come up every so often to check on it.
After a very few moments we saw the mother rise...all 60 feet of her, she broke the surface just enough to see what was going on (the biologist explained that the whales were used to the boats being there). She slid past as she checked on her young one...even though she didn't breech she was breathtaking to behold! This was truly a joy I thought I would never experience!
Take a moment to watch this video...I applaud the skill and daring of the people in the boat. I thank God for their compassion and for taking time to free this young humpback. Wait until you see how the whale "thanks" them!
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