Friday, October 31, 2008

Seeing Gray

Spring 2008
Eye to eye with a curious California Gray Whale. It is magical moments like this that have kept me coming to these warm water lagoons since 1988 to interact and film such amazing whales!

When it all comes together, when the whale is as interested in me as I am in it, this is where the connection is created.

Why would an animal that was hunted to near extinction twice in the last 150 years in these exact same lagoons now trust and even initiate an encounter with humans?

Using the same types of boats (without the outboard motors of course) that Gray Whales were hunted from in the 1800's and early 1900's people now come from all over the world to witness the power and grace of these creatures.

These whales were so violent and dangerous towards humans trying to hunt them that they were often called "devil fish." Today these gentle giants have apparently forgotten (or forgiven) and their curiosity about us leads to spectacular encounters.

The curiosity of a calf makes people of all ages and backgrounds scream and laugh out loud with delight!

Just try and contain yourself when a Gray Whale chooses your boat to inspect...I dare you! Even the most jaded observer can't help but get caught up in the exuberance of the moment. So come on down and see for yourself! I will be with these marvelous creatures again in 2009 on a Remarkable Journey starting March 28. For details go to www.expeditions.com for details of how you can get caught up in the excitement too!