Gray Whales, Tourists Migrate to Baja Coast
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/print?id=675779
During Migration North to Alaska, Visitors Can Look Into the Eye of the Whale
Apr. 16, 2005 - Every spring in the San Ignacio Lagoon, off of the California Baja coast of Mexico, thousands of whales travel through the waters to
give birth to calves and gain strength for their migration north to Alaska.
At the same time, hundreds of American tourists also migrate to the lagoon to ride in boats among the whales, call to them and even pet them.
Dick Russell, an environmental journalist, wrote the book, "The Eye of the Whale," about these magnificant creatures.
"These animals are huge," he said. "The mothers are more than 30 feet long. The babies are 2,000 pounds at birth and eight feet long."
Nearly Extinct at One Point
Gray whales were hunted nearly to extinction by the mid-20th century. After being granted endangered species protection in 1946, the population has
rebounded to more than 21,000 and the gray whale was taken off the list in 1994.
The mammoth creatures swim right up to small boats full of tourists, seeming to have no fear of humans.
"This lagoon, I think, is one of the most special places that we have left in the world," Russell said. "Often the adult [gray whale] will push the
young whale toward the boat as if to say, 'These are people and they are friendly. Let's get to know them.' "
Transformative Experience with 'Devil Fish'
The locals still call these giant mammals "devil fish" because they were so dangerous to hunt, but now visitors say it is nearly a transforming
experience to be among the whales.
Naturalist Caroline Lene Armon said that for many people, being among the whales is highly emotional.
"I've seen very reserved people break down and cry after having a physical interaction with a whale," she said.
The adult whales and their calves will cozy right up to the boats.
"It's not slimy or anything," said one tourist. "It was just like a rubber glove, but with barnacles."
Another tourist was rendered nearly speechless during a recent trip.
"It was amazing. I don't even have a word for it," she said.
Russell said the most amazing thing is to look straight into the eye of a whale.
"When it's right next to you in a boat, the eye penetrates you and goes to the essence of your being really," he said. "It's just something you never
forget."
Soon the whales will head north, but they will come back next year, as they have for thousands of years before.
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