Watching for Whales

Kingscliffe, 3 August

The Hungry Hikers chose a coastal walk on this day, hoping to do a spot of whale watching from a headland at Pottsville Lighthouse. Several years ago we had been privy to an excellent showing of these amazing creatures. On this day they were performing but far from shore. Nevertheless, it was a perfect day with friends.

Whale watching, 8 August.

It was a very early start to be at the Gold Coast for our 7 am departure with Sea the Gold Coast, Eco tours. Our group of 5 had chosen this company and this package, as the numbers on the small raft-like craft was limited to 10. Numbers on their Swim with the Whales Tour, were down so they joined us.

The seaway was very calm as we waited to depart.

Looking back to the Gold Coast, its high rise and the Scenic Rim hinterland. The ocean wasn't calm but at this stage not rough either.

The swimming group were quite disorganised when the first whale came up close. By the time they jumped in the whale had swum on.

Our boat continued cruising slowly and a whale breached right before our eyes. An awesome moment I didn't try to record. The crew noted it had a very young calf with it. This meant we had to distance ourselves and the swimmers were not allowed back in the water. That would have been very disappointing for them.

All too soon it was time to return to shore. The journey wasn't taken slowly so it was quite the 'roller coaster' ride back to shore. It was worth every bump, drenching and teeth chattering moment to see these beautiful creatures up close!

New hairstyle thanks to the wind.

Tweed heads, 7 to 10 September

Franks's sister was away for two weeks and had offered us the use of her riverside unit. I enjoyed a relaxing few days, mostly sitting on the headland at Point Danger reading, watching the waves and trying to spot more whales. The sea wasn't calm and I had forgotten the spare batteries for my camera. The first afternoon the whales were about 100 metres from shore. Had I been able to use my camera ,I think I would have had some impressive images. 

So much to enjoy.

About 40 000 Humpback whales migrate along our coastline each year. They are truly magnificent creatures.

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