One of the mind blowing things I have found over the last 12 months is how close this journey has brought me to marine wildlife. It really is amazing just how close I have gotten to all manner of ocean dwelling creatures. The following are some of the marine wildlife highlights I have experienced on the way to November 7th.
January 5th 2010 – was the most memorable dolphin encounter I have had. It was during a 15km surf ski paddle our squad did from Currumbin to Mermaid Beach on the double skis. Dale and I were paddling together when suddenly we were surrounded by a large school of dolphins, there were about 15 and they traveled with us for a couple of minutes. There were some acrobatics, which were particularly thrilling.
Dolphins have been quite common with me when paddling, but this experience was especially memorable as there were so many, they came so close and were so active.
July 31st 20101 – Then there was the Coolangatta Classic distance surf ski race I participated in, carried out in awful, stormy conditions from Coolangatta to Currumbin and back. About 5 minutes off the start, a whale popped up between myself and another competitor. I have to say, I felt very intimidated. It was huge and these surf skis are so comparatively flimsy.
Throughout the year – rays have been my constant companion. First in the Tallebudgera Creek, it is so common to see a large round shadow gliding under the water towards me. Close inspection often reveals a beautiful sting ray, sometimes extremely large with a long, long tail. Paddling into the shallows some days can bring many shock surprises, for both me and the rays. My approach startles them from their sun baking, the splashing created by their flight can almost surprises me out of my seat.
Then, ever so occasionally, we get the massive, magnificent manta rays down at the beach. The first you know of these is when you see a fin tip sticking out of the water. Closer inspections reveals another fin tip, rather than following the first though, this one is parallel to the first. Confusion reigns until you realise they are not the tips of fins, rather the tips of the manta ray wings sticking out of the water.
September 7th 2010 – I will never forget my first surf ski session shark sighting. I still do not know whether I feel honored, lucky, or that I had a lucky escape. It was at dusk after all – prime shark dinner time…
And then there are the occasional ocean turtles which are quite amusing to behold. When they surface, the large shell and head popping out of the water takes some time to figure out. They are funny creatures all in all.
All that in less than a year! I had 3 weeks in Africa this year – the biggest expense of the trip was getting out into nature specifically to find and observe the big animals in their natural habitats. It’s easy to forget that I have that opportunity for free in my back yard with wildlife that is just as large, just as wild and just as dangerous. It really is a blessed life.
