Sunday, October 26, 2008

Whales at Bondi

Today was a red-letter day for me as far as wildlife spotting goes.


Not long after this photo was taken (about 3pm today), my girl and I trudged wearily over to the grassy hill overlooking Bondi Beach and sat down in the shade. We'd just done the Bronte-Bondi walk and there were major crowds so we were both feeling a little exhausted and irritable.
After a rest and a cool down, we were heading off when suddenly, way out to sea and near a yacht, I spotted a plume of white water spraying upwards in the air. I thought what was that? As Susan and I stayed to watch we could see the dark shapes of whales frolicking in the water. I was excited because our day hadn't been as nice as I'd hoped and this was a rare chance to see whales for the first time.
As we continued to watch, what looked a killer whale suddenly and gracefully propelled itself out of the water! We could see its whole body clearly despite it being way out to sea (about half way to the horizon). We could see another one slightly further out also occasionally leaping out of the water.
Several boats came as if from nowhere to gather round the whales and take a look. People sitting on the grass near us registered my excitement, and one guy with his girlfriend turned to me and said, "Good spot!" It was actually, all I initially saw was white water jetting out of it's blowhole.
We both felt considerably cheered up after seeing the whales. It's amazing how these beautiful creatures can have such as soothing and uplifting effect on the human spirit.
Take care and happy whale spotting!
Anthony

No comments:

Post a Comment