The Great Barrier Reef is such an icon that it may even suffer from its own reputation. We had booked in on one of the large reef tours that depart from Port Douglas, but weather, a sense that we really did not want to snorkel with 250 other people and the discovery of a small company based at Cape Tribulation made as cancel. It was a very good call!
The reef was remarkable (pictures will follow) but the trip also happened to coincide with the return of the Humpback Whales to the area. They had been seen briefly the day before, but on our trip they put on a bit of a show.
There were at least two whales in the area. They seemed to be staying at the surface, slapping the water with their tails rather than diving. We could not get too close to the whales, but the whole thing was pretty exciting for all of us.
I had hoped to see good things on the reef (and I did), but the whales were a bonus. And just like the small stone you put in your pocket as a memory of a beautiful beach, the few minutes we watched these remarkable animals will be a powerful memory.
You can find more images from around the world at Our World Tuesday.
You can find the latest post to my other blog by clicking on the Paying Ready Attention image on the RHS of the page.
Enjoy the pictures.
Well, I'm pretty sure most everyone who visits this post will be insanely jealous. :))
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! There is nothing more dramatic or exciting than seeing a whale in the wild … I remember being on a ferryboat when all passengers ran to the side that the whale sighting was on … almost tipping the boat, it seemed. :)
ReplyDeleteEG is right!! I am jealous! Whales are so magnificent! Thanks for sharing, Stewart! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThose are awesome, Stewart! Whales are something I'll probably never have an opportunity to photograph. Glad you got to see and shoot them!
ReplyDeletejust amazing! and awe-inspiring. :)
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to do this! What a great photo op!
ReplyDeleteA fantastic memory indeed Stewart.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures, I agree with Penelope that there is nothing better that seeing them in the wild.
ReplyDeleteWonderful! Happy that they put on a show for you and that you were there to see it.
ReplyDeleteJust magnificent! We have been fortunate to see them on their migration off the Oregon Coast but never such beautiful breaching shots...just great -- thank you.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow and wow again. I can't wait to get there.
ReplyDeleteThey're a stunning creature!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteFantastic shots. You war very lucky! I watched some from a much further distance - but it was still very exciting.
ReplyDeleteWhat a marvellous experience - gives me goosebumps! Thanks for sharing Stewart.
ReplyDeleteWOW! You are so lucky to have seen the Humpback Whales..I agree with your first comment from EG CameraGirl..I'm insanely jealous!!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting!
ReplyDeleteI AM jealous (in the good way).
So happy you got to see them.
Hello Stewart.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures you show with whales ......
Wishing you a good day :)
Hanne Bente
You are so privileged Stewart. I also see some of our travel posters here on TV videoing that same whales. It seems there is a season they are here too and many of them. I've read about the ship with a cage where someone can be lowered to the Great Barrier Reef just to see without scuba. Oh how i wish i can do that!
ReplyDeletelooks like a great experience, lovely shots :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! I'd love to witness the whales like this.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wondeful sight to be remembered for ever - great pictures - Jane UK
ReplyDeleteSeeing a whale is right up there with about the most exciting wildlife experience I can imagine. What a thrill for you and your family! The photos are great too. Very sharp, considering the distance. I once spent a couple of days in Digby, Nova Scotia and convinced a wildlife biologist to take me out in his Zodiac. We saw Humpbacks and dolphins - a lifetime highlight. Also had the incredible experience of swimming with a young Beluga in Ingonish, Cape Breton. Great fun reading your posts!
ReplyDeleteBoy, did you all make the right decision. What a fabulous day with the camera. I cannot begin to imagine how thrilled you were seeing all of those beautiful whales. A special gift for the eyes. I cannot wait to see your upcoming photos. genie
ReplyDeleteThey are such an amazing creature! It had to be exciting to see them. Great shots!
ReplyDeleteWow! Very nice! I wish I was there...
ReplyDeleteso fun to see them. :)
ReplyDelete