Back once more from the East coast
It was a fairly good trip—especially because my dad and I did not have to be in NYC for long (just an afternoon). And even then, it was just the Bronx.
Whale Watching in the Bay of Fundy
On the 17th my dad and I went on a whale watching boat. We saw at least a dozen whales, most of whom were humpbacks. About six of them came right up to the boat. We also saw two fin whales. That was a wonderful sight to see, even if they were hundreds of yards away.
A humpback mother and calf had come up close at one point, and the mother dove under the boat. Meanwhile, the calf spyhopped right beside the back of the boat! My dad got it recorded on the digital camcorder, so I shall see if I can show everyone how awesome it was.
Marineland Niagara Falls
On the evening of the 20th and in the morning and afternoon of the 21st, I spent at Marineland. The entire time I watched the orcas. Kiska seems depressed. On Thursday during one of the splash sessions, she just circled the pool, not bothering to listen to her trainers. I think she misses Nootka 5 quite a bit.
Ikaika seems to be doing quite well. He’s grown a lot since last year, and he eats at every chance he gets… and then he makes calls for his trainer when she goes to leave because he ate all the food. I would say his dorsal is going to be sprouting soon, even though he is not even in his teens yet. But maybe not… I honestly am not an expert on that.
Athena is bigger, but seems to be underweight and looks a little ill. When I watch her swim I can see her ribcage every once in a while. There’s also some weird white patches in her skin down her back near the fluke. Plus the black around there is lighter than it should be.
Hopefully Kiska and Athena both get better soon. I would really hate for them to die, because the employees who work with them are really involved in their job. (You would not believe how dedicated they are.)
