Gray Whales !

[rcvesselstyn]

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We took a little (700 mile) bus trip across the border into Mexico.

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We stopped at Ojo de Liebre Lagoon and at San Ignacio Lagoon.

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The Gray Whales mate and give birth to their calves here. Both the Western Pacific and Larger Eastern Pacific populations come here to have their young.

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For some reason not only do they show no fear of us but actively seek out our company.

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They twist and turn to see us and come up close and let us touch them.

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The group was made up of a number of Cal sailors and an assortment of old marine biologists and adventure travelers. We consider ourselves as all of these so we fit right in.

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The mate has always attracted attention from the whales. She managed to greet many this trip.

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These are about forty feet long and 60,000 pounds. The new babies are darker and less mottled in color. They are 16 feet long and about 2,000 pounds at birth but gain size and weight dramatically.

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The youngsters would roll over again and again to see us as they went by.

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Happy adventures all!