Off Slope: Bike Trip Update 4

Here's a glimpse of one of the non-biking experiences from the Evangeline Trail.  We rode our bikes down to a little village called Tiddville, ferried across the harbor, and met Captain Tom for a blast across the ocean on his Zodiac.

These lovely suits doubled as protection from wind/water AND flotation devices.  We all felt like we were embarking on a mission to outer space!

Our actual mission was a search for whales...always an exciting proposition.  Can't you see the anticipation on fellow-cyclist Greg's face?  I snapped this shot literally moments before he stripped off his hat and plunged his head over the side of the Zodiac and into the icy ocean water.  

Have I mentioned lately that I find boys (even big ones) fascinating?

Our search was rewarded almost immediately.  After sighting a few porpoises and seals, Captain Tom zeroed in on two humpbacks, a cow and calf, peacefully "grazing" on krill (although he did say that the calf might have still been nursing).

(click on this photo to see larger views of any of the pictures on this page)

Here's a short clip from our whale watch.  You may want to medicate yourself with some Dramamine before viewing...it's not easy to hold a camera steady with waves sloshing to and fro.

The humpbacks were amazing...so graceful and at ease in the sea.  Having done a few whale tours in previous years, I was extremely impressed with Captain Tom and his craft in that the impact on the whales seemed to be minimal.  At one point, the calf rolled and floated on the surface waiting for its mother to return from a dive.  It didn't appear to be bothered by our presence at all.

It was impossible to watch them without being touched by their gentle magnificence.  

Just as the roadside sign had promised, it truly was a "Cousteau-esque" experience!