As you can see in the pictures, I was there too. Along with about 20 other news photographers and media personnel. We were fortunate enough to have great weather and six whales to watch.
Blue whales range in size from 80-100 feet long, Although I was only able to see about 30 feet of the whale, I trust that these mammals would blow my mind if I saw the full length in or out of the water. I could just imagine running into one while swimming or kayaking. Right after losing all oxygen from gasping, I would probably realize just how miniature I was in comparison to this beast. With that said, I was happy to be on the boat and not swimming around just waiting to be taken for a miniature shrimp,devoured and then blown out of the whale’s blowhole. I was on a comfortable whale watching boat, eating muffins and drinking some freshly squeezed orange juice while waiting for someone to yell, “There she blows!” At which time, I would toss the muffin and reach for my Canon camera for some excellent images.
Here’s what I’m talking about.
The Queen Mary in all its elegance.
Aboard the Christopher R, heading to the deep sea.
Diana Lejins searching for a good shot.
This bird was just really sleek, so I wanted to show all of you. You agree, right?
Like I said, the media’s best were there. Cameras for days!
The lbpost.com’s Managing Editor and writer Ryan ZumMallen searches for words to describe the blue whales, or maybe just questions to stump the skipper with.
A blue whale in the waters of Long Beach. This is the money shot!
I really wanted to see its tail. That was my trip’s goal. “I really want to get some tail on this trip,” was my over-used quote.
It’s like a geyser, but it’s a whale… and it’s in the ocean… so I guess it’s not really like a geyser… but still good though, right?
Our water vessel was really quick.
Oh the dolphins, they made my afternoon joyous.
I honestly think they wanted me to swim with them. I wouldn’t do it, for fear of the whale.
Here I am contemplating my next whale shot and resting me sea legs.
Photo: Jon Phelps
This shot is my favorite. These common dolphins were racing our boat.
Go on a whale watching tour and you too can take some pictures like this… write me and let me know how it went.
Just take my advice: don’t eat too many muffins and don’t jump in with the whales.