Whales

I was out helping a group tow for krill a few weeks ago, and we were surrounded by two pairs of humpback whales (mom and calf) feeding in the same school of krill we were sampling. They came close to the zodiac just a couple times and we got some good tail shows. It was my first time seeing whales up close, or in general for that matter, besides Shamu at Sea World or the far off water spout on the horizon. Sadly, it wasn't picture time since we were working, so we completely enjoyed the moments without feeling like we had to take pictures, which is perfect.

Yesterday, humpback whales were spotted off station out towards Janus Island- not too far away. At lunch, I found Cathyjean and Bob (two folks I worked with my very first season at McMurdo), we hopped in a zodiac and off we went to find those whales. It was an amazing reunion for the McM 191 Carp Shop Supply crew.

We rounded Bonaparte Point when Cathyjean spotted them off the port side. As we got closer, we saw that it was a mom and her calf. They didn't mind us being around and surfaced right next to our boat as they fed on krill. It was the true moment of awe at their immense size and their calm proximity that drew a tear to my eye. Then, I realized my eyes were watering not because of the beauty in the moment but because we had drifted through the cloud of spray they just blew out their blowholes. I never thought whale breath would smell so incredibly putrid.

You can just make out the mist from the blowhole.

They were so long and wide. It was awesome to see them surface, open their blowholes to breathe, round their backs, and dive back down- all so close to us.

As our clothes soaked up the stink, we enjoyed the rest of our time with them. They would come up right beside us, release a big blow (as we held our breath to let the mist pass), and sink back down into the water, showing us their tails only a couple times. The calf spyhopped us a couple times, too. We were out for over an hour. And of course, the one picture I was right in line to get a perfect backside tail shot turned out blurry.

It's been a while since I've been off station- busy with work and projects, my world feeling small and stagnant- so this was just what I needed.