Trip Report

WHALE WATCHING 07’

   It was like a drizzly morning in Melbourne in July for the ten brave mariners that were to embark on the Whale watching expedition of 07. The boat “Miha Miha” departed at 08.30 for a quick trip around some of the most exclusive homes in the Gold Coast marina.  Names such as Steven Ackeri (better known as “Stefan”), Ian Thorpe, and Mick Doowan were just some of the owners of the holiday shacks that were pointed out - mind you one of these waterfront babies would be ten times as much as the combined total of the Club’s 4bies (sorry  Andrew B, yours wouldn’t even  buy a brick).  As the boat passed the speed restrictions, the two diesel motors were allowed to rumble their stuff, and we speed off at a steady 30 knots, mind you the pick up was as good as any well tuned Toyota….sluggish to say the least.

Once past the safety of the calm waters we headed straight out to the open ocean. The ten sailors that were on the upper deck had a great time riding the huge waves, whilst some of the less sea going folk were starting to suffer the effect of a queasy stomach that inevitably brought about their demise.  Their morning tea and bickies were tasted for a second time around, Yum Yum. Ahh well, at least the burley might have attracted some marine life.

By now we had made our way out to the six mile mark where our skipper ensured us of a sighting of the elusive Mobi Dick, but alas the only thing that was spotted was the odd flying fish, and lots of big white caps. So it was further out to sea we headed, and it was more of the same - up and down, side to side … spew.  Up and down, side to side …spew.  We got Seaworld, Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild all in one, rollercoasters included.  Then as we approached the 9 mile mark, or the point of no return as  time was running out, there was a shout from the top deck – “THERE SHE BLOWS”.   Someone who shall remain nameless spotted the first blow job (exhaled air from a whale at 300 kph) for the morning. This was confirmed by the skipper and we sped off to chase the ever elusive Mobi Dick. Yep, and he was right, for we had sighted two whales, what looked to be a mother and her calf, just crusing along towards Straddie. Our Skipper by now had radioed some friends from another company and we had some visitors.

As we both cruised along side these two giant majestic animals, one couldn’t be in total awe, for their size and graceful movements captivated our hearts.

Even the sick soon forgot about their stomachs as we all enjoyed the thirty minutes alongside watching these two greats of the deep cruise along. We also had the pleasure of watching a pod of dolphins playing in our bow wave, which made for great viewing.  It was funny, for they kept on going back to the Whales, as if they were the Whales’ own security guards which were sent to check us out. But like all good things, it had to come to an end, so we turned and headed West, and rode the ocean’s rollercoaster all the way back into the marina, much to the delight of the green passengers, for no sooner had we left the company of the Whales, they started to feel queasy again.  Ah, if only you could bottle the power of the Whale…………..

Thankyou to Karen for arranging the trip, for I know that I speak for everyone when I say we had a whale of a time………………….Ian

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