Friends were here the in the beginning of July: David, Jill, Ruthie, and Tom. We try to get out for an adventure or two each year. Cynthia and I took them out for their first sail on our Rhodes 19.
Step one: sail for the seals. Every year, the local gray seal population increases. I would say the current number inside this shallow bay is about 3k, kind of like a city of 10k humans. Ugh. They attract great white sharks, eat huge amts of fish...and they STINK! On the plus side, these critters are cute, curious, noisy, and entertaining and the tourism and sightseeing brings in a decent living for some folks... and they attract great white sharks (another tourism draw). I like the individuals and would wish no ill to them, but as a mass.... well, I just heard an orca was sighted near Chatham and I cheered.
So we sailed past the hunting packs of seals
Some would flip their tails, some open their nostrils wide to catch the scent of dogs or humans, some would chase the boat under the water, checking it out or just playing with the turbulence from the rudder, then pop to the surface and peer at us. I love watching them swim and roll and play below the water and imagine what that freedom would feel like, perhaps like swimming in the Virgin Islands with mask, snorkel, nice fins, and a good lungful of air? Great fun.
We sailed on. We found great shoals of blue mussels and some softshell clams while exploring on Strong Island
Walked down the beach, past a cliff loaded with very active cliff swallows
then headed back, I dropped everyone and gear at the beach, we hugged them goodbye, and sent them off with clams and mussels.
Another day seized!
Sounds like a great adventure! Your guests are very lucky to be with you. I can't imagine how raucous it is with all those seals! Mike and Andrew liked swimming as close as possible to them, but the seals never let the guys get too close.
ReplyDeleteI have been contemplating the possibility of wearing mask/snorkel and getting towed behind the sailboat. I bet the seals would come in.... and I THINK it is too shallow for many sharks.
DeleteWe know all too well about the chanting and cheering from the seals hanging around Pier 19 and more in San Francisco. They get churned up by props from time to time. Now Great Whites...humm. Somehow this vision of Jaws taking a chunk out of that Rhodes come to mind.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, attacks on boats are even MORE rare than attacks on swimmers. And the bottom of the boat is green: not exactly a "food" color.
Deleteohhh ... I miss Chatam. Wish we were going to see you and go on an adventure with you this summer!
ReplyDeleteLikewise. Maybe next summer...
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