Croc,
Went out for an early-morning paddle today, starting just before sunrise, loop around two islands, total of maybe 5 miles. Got to the first island, sun was already up and getting hot, thought about just going back. Didn't, and halfway between the islands spotted a little group of dolphins ahead, angling away. Swung the boat around and went parallel, easing closer, ended up maybe 20 yards away, close enough to look them in the eye. Then they dove; I thought for a while I'd scared them, but a few minutes later a bunch of fish were jumping a few hundred yards off, so maybe they just went out for breakfast. Wouldn't blame them for being scared, actually, not all the humans in the area are friendly.
Doesn't happen that often here; there are places farther south where whales and dolphins congregate in great numbers; I've always planned to bring the kayak down, and I will have to do it someday. I've often seen marine mammals from bigger boats, but from a kayak it is completely different; you feel (and are) much, much, closer.
:-)
Steve |
