After extensive reading of cruising guides, talking to seasoned sailors, float planning, readying the vessel, and provisioning, we're finally about to head down island.
HURRAY!
Then yesterday we happened to listen to a radio program that focussed on the variety of whales that one may see here in the Caribbean waters right now. We were not entirely unaware of the possibility of seeing whales here as we'd heard a small group was seen around the southwestern point of Water Island just a few days ago. Since hearing that report, when on deck, I've been looking in that direction down the coast hoping to see some sign of the great mammals.
COOL- WE'RE GONNA SEE WHALES!
 |
| Google image...NOT our boat |
BUT- as the radio program began to describe the size of the whales and their various behaviours- I began to get apprehensive about the possibility of an encounter of the close kind ...
EXIT STRATEGY
VS
SPERM WHALE!
While sailing during the day, I'm certain we'll able to see humpbacks cresting to breathe or their distinctive flukes raised as they dive. We should be able to sight activity well in advance and adjust our course to avoid a collision. What concerns me, though, is the crossing we'll make at night on our 134 mile trip to St. Kitt's. Whales usually rest/sleep at night and do so by floating at the surface so they can breathe. A cruising friend from Boston says you can hear them breathe as you go by. But if the wind and current has us keeled over doing a good clip, I doubt if we'll hear a whale snoring!
 |
| NOT Captain Dan! (Near Dominica-Google Image) |
ES's First & Last Mate respectfully requested that the Captain modify the float plan to include an island stop for the night to reduce the chance of a midnight rendezvous of the worst kind. He denied the request.
PRAY FOR US!
No comments:
Post a Comment