TODAY WE TOOK OUR UKULELES TO SEA. Rather than the usual Wednesday afternoon of playing in the workshop, I arranged for the gang to sail through the beautiful San Juan Islands of Washington State on an whale watching trip. We were guests of Island Mariner Charters on their "Island Caper", a 110 foot cruise boat that takes regular whale watching cruises from their home port, Bellingham. What a day, We saw dozens of Orca, the wonderful "Killer Whale" of these waters, Stellar Sea Lions, Harbor seals, Bald Eagles on a perfect sunny day. I took many closeup movies of these wonders and just a few still shots to show you on the blog
Later, this big male and several others turned toward us and swam right under the boat. what a thrill
These females are about twenty feet long and may weigh 8,000 pounds.
Two whales here being observed by a research boat. This big male is about twenty-five feet long and may way 15,000 pounds.
We watched this family of perhaps twenty whales fishing, herding a school of salmon into a tight pack and then cutting through them picking off their dinner. A rare and thrilling sight. While the boat sat with engines off we were at times surrounded by these amazing creatures of the sea. Truly an experience to remember.
And on the way home we got out the ukuleles and played to our hearts content. Proving only that the ukulele is truly a portable and handy instrument good for all occasions. Here are Rick Wright, Judy Coons and Yours Truly pickin away in the cabin of the Island Caper. A great way to end a great day.