May I Introduce Myself?

Thank you ever so much, lanebrain. I admit to having been quite choked up with emotion when this fella played with us, an experience that is most uncomfortable while wearing a snorkel and mask. For a whale geek, I do not exaggerate when I tell you that being so near to these humpbacks--indeed, seeing their eyes looking straight at me—was akin to a religious experience. They continue to amaze me.

erika15, being amongst whales is indeed a blessing. Thank you for stopping by for a look.

Barbara, you are very kind and clearly a fellow whale geek! After perusing your portfolio of beautiful animal images, I strongly suspect you cannot get enough of Nature’s wonders either. Thank you for your uplifting comments!

Thank you ever so much, JennyDean. One note on this gorgeous baby whale. He reminded me of my own very young, newly adopted shelter rescue dog, a playful juvenile delinquent absolutely full of himself. I’ll never forget this young fellow and wish him and his mother godspeed on their migration to northern feeding grounds.

Thank you ever so much, Erik! You have a keen eye for what lies underwater. I am honored that you enjoyed this baby whale so much!

Thank you, Shaina. I can’t tell you how amazed I was that this big old boy kept passing by us for looks as he played. It’s always a good day when with whales.

Phil, thank you for your kind comment. Much appreciated.

Sharon, thank you for taking the time to have a look at this humpback calf!

Thank you, Andrew, ever so much. You do such terrific photography that I am pleased you enjoyed this big baby calf’s photo. By the way, it’s good to read that Angus the kitty is feeling better.

Anne, you are so very kind. I ADORE your whale tail and art! You are blessed to live so near the water where these creatures dwell.

Thank you, Stephen, for taking a look at this beautiful baby. I should tell you that I am a female whale geek! This fellow (it is definitely a male humpback whale calf) was quite a ham, returning for one pass after another after another. He was so exuberant that he even clunked my husband on the head with his tail fluke. Those photos were even closer!

You are too funny, Stephen. Absolutely no offense taken as I’m a woman who is not uptight and angry, particularly toward males. I LOVE men! Just ask my husband! No sexist assumptions here…I just thought I’d let you know I’m female. And yes, women can be geeks. It’s a badge of honor that I and my fellow whale nuts-both male and female—wear with honor. You’re a sweetie. I think I’ll make you an honorary whale geek. Thanks for making me smile today.

Thank you, AngieM. This is one handsome little boy whale calf.

Oh, Steve, I HAVE to get out your way to see the blues! A friend from S. Cal. is a docent on a whale boat near the Channel Islands. She’s always tempting me to come out for a look by emailing photos and cruise reports. A definite must do.

Several weeks ago I watched a Nature special about the blues off California’s coast. It was finally definitively proven that a California blue whale female bore a calf off the coast of Costa Rica, proving where at least one of the California population of blues’ calving grounds is. You may enjoy the amazing footage contained in this fine piece, along with some fascinating new discoveries about blues. Google it on the web for more information.

I got a kick out of seeing your photo of the Chicago harbor lighthouse in your portfolio. That’s in my neck of the woods but unfortunately there are zero whales in Lake Michigan.

What a disappointment that your camera failed while in SE Alaska. My husband and I had two camera body failures on a trip last year. Fortunately we carry a spare body but now I’m considering taking along two!

Thank you for the tip, Steve. I’ve bookmarked Condor Cruises on my computer for future reference. To see a blue whale is one of my life’s dreams. What a memory you have of that incredible blue whale gracing your vessel with a close up view.

Heather, thank you ever so much. This “little” whale was quite a performer.

You have some terrific images from your country. I particularly enjoyed your Zulu-related images. Thank you for sharing your country with the rest of us!

Catherine, I consider any day spent with whales a happy day. Thank you for stopping by to have a look.

Oh, kimberleigh sarah, perhaps there’d be some trepidation on your part at first but once you begin to experience the wonder of the great whales, pure joy takes over. Thank you for commenting.

Thank you, Franklin. This whale was a hoot, a regular juvenile delinquent. I’ll carry the awe of this moment with me forever.

Thank you, Dennis. The magic of that moment remains with me and always will.

Thank you, PhillDanze. This was the most cheeky humpback calf I’ve ever run across. He played and played and played with us. This was undeniably one of the best underwater whale encounters I’ve ever experienced.

I revisited your Antarctica photos to enjoy that splendid white, blue and black palette to the south. Fantastic images, PhillDanze.

I have reactions similar to what you describe, kat36 when near whales. There’s exhilaration but also that feeling of awe and joy. I hope you will experience the joy of whales before too long.

Thank you, Steve. This is one of my favorite photos. I hope this little guy thrives to grow into one of the big boys.

Oh, I don’t know about being brave so much as just plain “geeky” when it comes to whales!

Yes, Mariann, this was an incredible experience. I always say that any day spent with a whale is a GREAT day.

Andrea, thank you very much!

Thank you! Happy to be accepted.

Blossom, I do indeed feel very protective toward whales. They’ve been hunted so near to depletion over the years that they deserve some consideration. Thank you for your kind comments.

Thank you, Sharon for the honor of a Feature in your group. I’m tickled pink for this big baby to receive attention. I so long to get into the water with whales again. That’s been one of my most cherished life experiences. Unforgettable.

Thank you ever so much, Anne. Very kind of you.

How kind of you to stop by and comment, LumenLux. This was a very special moment to this particular whale geek!

Kathleen, thank you for your very thoughtful comments about this whale image. It is my hope that your dream of swimming with whales will come true, too. When you’re with whales, you’re bound to have a wonderful time. They never fail to amaze me.

Thank you. I admit to becoming very misty-eyed when I was with these whales. It was a very emotional experience for me.

Liesbeth, thank you for sharing your orca memories with me. Whales/dolphins in captivity always leaves me feeling hollow. Thank you for taking time to comment and for writing such supportive comments.

Thank you, Scott. I’m still on a high from this encounter.

Thank you, TanyaS!

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your thoughts…congrats on achieving your scuba certification. That’s wonderful, something you’ll enjoy for years to come. Normally though, one does not scuba with humpbacks. Snorkeling is okay abut scuba bubbles can be seen as a sign of aggression. Humpbacks use bubble blasts when in male competition groups so generally it’s best to just stick to snorkeling with them. I hope you do get out to spend time with these great leviathans of the deep. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Melanie, I’m also a fan of ST4. The whales were the stars in that film. Yes, indeed I did see the mom and calf humpback in Disney’s Earth. That film did a good job of portraying the long, perilous journey of humpbacks through vast expanses of ocean. I am in awe of whales. Happy to know you enjoyed this image!

kalaryder, I’m ready to go again. It was that incredible. I hope you are blessed with an in water whale experience one day soon. It fills one’s soul with such a sense of wonder. Thanks so much!