From behind, there was this...
Glencairn StationThe train runs from Cape Town station, through the suburbs and then from Muizenberg (see previous post) it travels along the coast to Simonstown, which is the end of the line.
To the left there was this... Muizenberg, St James, Kalk Bay, Fish Hoek...
And ahead... well, there was this. Which is why we're all here, isn't it...
The great whale race...
The great whale race...
Last one round the marker is krill!Heavy breather...
Now where did she go...
I could have sworn I saw here here a moment ago...
Come here, darlin', you know you wanna...
Blogger's note: Did I mention it's the mating season...
Getting saucy...
Why do men always fall asleep afterwards? 
Zzzzzz....Some general frolicking...
It's a whale of a tale...
It's a whale of a tale...
Flipper flapper...
No, it's not a shark...
Here's lookin' at you, kid!
Big momma...
Fins and fun...
Sunday cruisin'...
And here's where you get the bird's eye view. The whales really were no more than 100 - 200 meters offshore. Cool, huh?
Next, we'll do penguins...
And, then we'll do what's just happened in my garden... Yeah, I'm a godmother! To 19 small fluffballs... It's the first guinea fowl hatch of the season, and they're all in my garden! I've turned into a real mother hen!
27 comments:
I am breathless just looking at these!
Amazing photographs - I really wish that I was there :D
ultra supercool! how utterly amazing and awesome these giant creatures are... thanks for taking me there.
looking forward to penguins now and CONGRATS on the new fluffballs!
just great all :-)
I am SUCH a sap - I am nearly crying looking at these. So beautiful, so amazing, just - fantastic. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks! I think I held my breath an awful lot whilst taking the pics, Miladysa!
It is so amazing being out there, so close to them, Val, it's one of nature's divine experiences.
It's a very special experience, Aerin, wish I could have shared it with you in real life. :-)
are these trains affordable to common man in SA?
The trains are the primary means of transport for the common man in SA, Rambler, them and minibus taxis. The only problem with the trains is because the "common man" makes such great use of them, they are frequently very unsafe - though it does depend which lines you're traveling on.
lol last one is krill.....too funny!
gorgeous photos. absolutely spectacular.
congrats on the fluffies!
storm
from whales to krill to fluffies - the zoom is going to get a lot of use on your camera! :-)
Great shots. I love the sound they make when they blow. Now that's what I call venting!
best (and good luck with the chickies)
That is so magical. You are truly blessed to have seen this.. Thank you so much for sharing it with the landlocked and whaleless!
I've seen a brilliant National Geographic film on whales mating in the Caribbean. It was to music and they described the whole thing as though it was a beautiful intricate dance. They also mentioned that Mr Whale had a 9 foot long penis. It's funny the things you remember.
Looking forward to the penguins and fluff balls.
Glad you liked the pics, Storm!
I honestly don't know how anyone manages without a zoom, RLB! Especially if there are animals involved! :-)
Yes, Janey, Mr Whale is indeed a well endowed fellow - up to 2.5 meters... - well if you were that big, wouldn't you be too... ;-)
Glad you enjoyed the pics, oh landlocked one.
You lucky lucky bugger. I must time it better next time to see more frolicking. They are AMAZING. Looks like the zebra has to go from the screen saver! Love the things. I wonder why we all go so gooey looking at sushi!
amazing photos yes, but more importantly, CONGRATULATIONS mother hen! :) Can't wait for the photos of the little ones, all 19 of them!
Gx
A.Ma.Zing. Thanks so much for taking and sharing these!
Very cool that they come so close to the shore to mate. Great shots!
Amazing. Love the running commentary and look forward to seeing your fluffballs! That close, as well....
AV - just love these pics - thank you. I've a brother living in Cape Town and have been there twice though never in whale watching season. Last year I had lunch in the Brass Bell very near where you took some of those pics I think and also went on the Muizenburg waterslides for my niece's birthday. That was fun.
I am indeed a lucky bugger, Baino ;-) Perhaps you should just come here for a visit in order to see whales - just think of the fun we could have!
I regret to say, Gaye that 19 has gone down to 18 balls of fluffiness. The mortality rate is so high, it's no wonder they start off by having so many chicks!
My pleasure, Megan, I just wish everyone could enjoy them for real and not just virtually!
Thanks, Rob, it's awesome seeing them so close. Last week one actually swam into one of the small fishing harbours - they are definitely very curious and quizzy creatures! :-)
Thanks, VV - it's stunning how close they come - and how curious they are about the watchers on the rocks.
Well, if you went to the Brass Bell, you will know Kalk Bay, SJW, and last week a whale swam right into Kalk Bay harbour to have a nose around!
Absolutely brilliant. What a sight.
And I love the words too:-)
YAY!!!!!!!!!
I love your photography, love the whales, and love the train and the view.
So cool! Thank you very much.
Now then... are you auto or manual focusing and what length lens are you shooting with?
More, please!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
The whales are simply beautiful...
Fantastic pics! They transmit some of the thrill of being there. Thank you, Vanilla!
All the best to the guinea chicks! :-)
WOW! Incredible creatures and brilliant pics...did I see a giant blue and white can floating in the sea in one of them???
Great photos, as always, Nicky ~ thanks!
Glad you enjoyed words and pics, Lane :-)
Glad you liked them, Scarlett, I'm autofocussing,
'cos my old eyes ain't what they used to be, and I'm using a 70 - 300 lens.
And it really was thrilling to be there, Vesper - totally awesome - just made my soul sing!
Yep, Jon, you did see a big "can", but it wasn't lager! ;-)
Glad you liked them, Susan :-)
Totally awesome.
Those are really magnificent pictures. Thanks for sharing.
CJ xx
Thanks, Coolcat - it was an awesome experience, it always is :-)
My pleasure, CJ!
*sigh* It's just not fair!
The only whale around here is ME!
Loved everything about this post, AV
Keep 'em coming!
And mind those fluffy babies!
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