I just returned to dark rainy Portland (which I love very much) from sunny Hawaii. I booked the trip a while back because I knew I’d need some sun during the long dark months of winter here in the Pacific Northwest, and boy was that ever a good decision.
If you’re not familiar with seasonal affective disorder, it’s this whole thing. Check it out, it’s fascinating—and something you can think about if you craft characters on space ships and far-flung outposts… (big hint on the next book).
Anyway, one of the things I did during my time away was book a spot a whale watching tour.
“Now, Brian,” you say. “Can’t you go on whale watching tours in Oregon and Washington?”
Yes, shut up.
I went to Hawaii.
Years ago—about forty or so, my parents started buying books to read to me at night. One of the first ones they got for me was this huge picture book about whales. The illustrations were beautiful, correct, and the content has stayed with me my entire life. Turns out, I know a lot about whales because of this foundational book.
My dad and I used to lounge around on the floor of our living room and watch Jacques Cousteau specials just about every weekend (when he wasn’t watching football … call back to the last blog).
Also, and this is just between you and me, I had a rather embarrassing moment with a baby sitter watching the mating habits of whales on NOVA one time. I knew what that thing was, and she knew what that thing was, but she wasn’t about to talk about it with a seven-year-old, and I as that seven-year-old, wasn’t about to talk about it with my babysitter.
And, of course, there’s the major plot point from Star Trek IV.
So, imagine my delight when I found out I could watch humpback whales in their prime birthing season, in Maui, on a Cousteau Society tour.
Are you done imagining? Well, don’t stop, there’s more blog to go.
As luck would have it, there was a small turn out — five people on a twelve-person tour—a great start — more whales for me. Two of the people were (and presumably still are) from College Station, TX, where I graduated from high school. We knew a lot of the same people, so the tour was going gangbusters before we even got on the water.
Then the tour.
Folks, there were so many whales! And those gorgeous fifty-foot animals love jumping out of the water. It was an incredible thing to behold.
I made a promise to myself to enjoy the moment instead of viewing it from behind the screen of a phone, and I held to that for the most part. As a result, I don’t have many pictures to document the experience, but I have amazing memories. I figure there are a million pictures with high res/perfectly processed pictures out there, and I wouldn’t advance the craft with my iPhone candids.
I’m glad I took that approach.
I’ve seen myriad docs, and read so many books about these amazing creatures, that it was extraordinary to see them up close and in person. It was awe-inspiring to see a small family of three turn on a dime to swim across our bow. It was hilarious to watch a calf continually breach fully out of the water for what felt like forever.
Hard to believe we share the same planet as they do, and I’m so grateful I got a chance to witness them up close. So, if you’re ever in Hawaii in February (or the Pacific Northwest during the summer), do yourself a favor and take a tour*.
*Do your research prior to said tour to ensure you’re getting a responsible guide.
PS: I watched the new season of Sabrina on Netflix this past week and was not disappointed. I love the tone, story, and overall vibe of the show. It’s so much fun, can’t wait for the next season.
PPS: Next in Fashion is so good that it may have ruined Project Runway for me. I need me one of those Daniel Fletcher trenches.