We were blessed by the seas and snorkeled with a pod of pilot whales a day or two ago (they are starting to blur together). They move quick but these magnificent animals are even more beautiful underwater if you can keep up. I saw 3 pairs mothers with calves and one on its own. They are rarely spotted around Utila and it is especially unheard of to swim with them. After a bit of research I learned that short-finned pilot whales frequent warmer waters and they are a member of the dolphin family. They are believed to equal the intelligence of a bottlenose dolphin and are second in size within the dolphin family only to killer whales. Pilot whales are very social, and are most often found in groups of 20 to 90. Within these groups are at least some stable associations, usually between related females and their offspring. There are usually some males in these groups, but genetic evidence has shown that these males are not the fathers of the calves in the group. Several calves in one group may be fathered by the same male, indicating that a male can enter a group for a brief period and mate with more than one female. OK I hope that wasn't too much information but it explains why we saw so many mothers and calves.
We have been getting into fun diving again because... WE FINISHED OUR INSTRUCTORS! Whew we both passed without any problems and we're looking for students. I know Courtney's mum will be at the top of the list and I'll have to get my sister to do her advanced diver. Anyone else interested we would love to get some certifications under our belts. Next PADI step is the Master Scuba Diver Trainer and we will need 25 certifications. For the time being we are diving, diving, diving and enjoying not having obligations like reading PADI manuals. Thanks for the comments, its always good to hear from people keep 'em coming.
Kylee Williamson I hope I get to meet you very soon!
Owen back at CELP! I bet that was fabulous reunion:)
Mom I did get the fax and thank you again! you're the best
5 comments:
Yes - I'm a definite starter! The next challenge will be where! Meg would probably also be keen (especially if I'm paying!).
Pleased to hear the fun has started again.
Take care and lots of love
Mum XXXX
Hey, sign me up! But, we have to start completely over because I never finished the course in the US and my PADI cert expired. Oh well, more certs under your belt, right? So cool about the pilot whales! I'll send some pics of Kylee to your magel_bagel account soon so you can see the newest addition to our family.
Wouldn't you know it! The 1st of June - first day of winter and we had our first frost - ouch it was chilly overnight! At least that meant the sun has been shining beautifully all day. i guess there's plenty more to come.
Courtney are you going to be anywhere near a phone on the 9th?
Luv ya
M & D XXXX
COURTNEY PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ASAP!
Hi Courtney, Just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday, getting in a little early as it's taken me so long to send you a message, (Mum gave me your address some time ago). By the look of things you are having an absolute fantastic time, very jealous of the snorkling! Very busy with life in general back here in Hobart, Chase second year at Uni and Katie having a gap year & working two part time jobs before tackling a 5 year law/arts degree next year. Tim & I have purchased a block of land in B.Bay with the intention to build sooner rather than later but no plans as yet. When I have more time I will read all your blogs but at the moment at work and a little busy. Do take care Courtney and continue to enjoy your great trip. Cheers, Tim, Ellie, Cahse & Katie xx
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