This time, years later, I took off from southern Maine.  We were assured that we would get to see some whales during feeding time.  The tour guides kept their word.

Out in the ocean

We headed out to an open ocean area where just a little activity was noticeable.  Suddenly, whales started surfacing, along with an entourage of seabirds.  The birds were scavengers – a dead giveaway that they were after the fish that the whales missed.

Whales surface

Talk about feeding frenzy!  Several whales were visible surfacing, diving and resurfacing again.  The birds were everywhere, helping themselves as they snapped up fish.

Feeding frenzy for whales and scavengers

We could see details on the whales’ tails and evidence that these were veterans, elders who had been around a while.The view and activity was so exciting that several people forgot they were out in the sun.  Their souvenir was a massive sunburn!  (Note: Sunblock and hats are a very good idea out on the water.  The reflection can really make you burn!)

Another whale tail

Although it seemed just a few minutes, the feeding subsided and the tour guides announced, much to our disappointment, that we were heading back.

But, to quote a Star Trek character, “Thar be whales!”

Getting ready to leave - a whale tail

We loved our visit with our distant (very distant) cousins, the whales.

Since we think everyone who can go would find this experience amazing, we offer the following companies and locations as places where whale watches are offered.  We do not necessarily endorse these companies, as we have not used all of them.

Some suggestions

You will definitely want to know whether everyone in your party is good at sea.  If not or you are not sure, motion seasickness pills before you leave are a must. (Generic or the brand name Dramamine.)  Why ruin a good experience by not being prepared.

As I mentioned earlier, hats and sunblock are also a great idea.  Plus, lots of camera space  and batteries (for digital cameras) and film for those with SLR or one-use cameras.  Take water and snacks/food.  Typically, the tour boats have you as a captive audience.  The prices on snacks and drinks reflect that.

Whale watching companies

The following article offers some valid suggestions on criteria for finding a tour company for the best whale watching experience.

http://marinelife.about.com/od/whaleanddolphinwatching/tp/FindaWhaleWatch.htm

We definitely agree that you should research and book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.  What species you want to see will definitely change depending on what location you choose.

(Rates shown were the most recent published.)

East Coast US:

Humpback whales are prominent.

The originators on the East Coast:

Massachusetts

Whale Watch Dolphin Fleet of Provincetown (which even has a coupon and offers a naturalist to provide solid information,)

http://www.whalewatch.com/dolphinfleet/

Rates for adults, $39, children 12 and under, $31, under 5 years – free.  This is a 3-4 hour tour.

In Maine:

Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company

http://www.barharborwhales.com/

Rates for adults are $56 for a 3 ½ hour whale watch, $28 for ages 6-14 and $8 for children under 6.

West Coast:

Different species are visible during different months – check out which months are the best for your sightings.  Gray whales are very prominent.

California:

Aquarium of the Pacific

Along with an admission to the aquarium, you can purchase a 2-2 ½ hour tour for $42.95 for adults, $28.95 for children ages 3-11 and $39.95 for seniors 62+.

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/education/programdetails/gray_whale_watch/

Oregon:

Marine Discovery Tours –

They offer a 2-hour “Marine Discovery Tour” that varies where they go depending on the time of year.  You might be inland if the sea is rough.  They do have naturalists on board.  Fee for Adults – $35, children 4-13 – $17, under 3 – free, seniors – $33.

http://www.marinediscovery.com/SLC.html

Vancouver

Tours in Canada tend to offer longer charter tours, as opposed to mass group tours, thus they are pricier.  The one we located that is three hours is: Springtide Charters.  The price was $95 (Canadian) for adults, $75 (Canadian) for 13-18, children 3-12, $65 (Canadian).

http://www.springtidecharters.com/rates.htmhours

As we said – official disclaimer – we do not endorse any of the above companies.  Please check out all of the details for whatever companies you decide to consider.

We found whale watching an enthralling experience.  Someday, we hope you have the opportunity to see the whales, too!

Next week: We visit Mexico.

 
With grassy lawns, but also mountain vistas, you can see for miles – smog permitting. The roads leading into the park do not all connect, so it’s best to know where you want to go before you arrive or you may wander about trying to get to the correct location.

 
There are pony rides, horseback trails, hiking trails, picnic areas, an observatory and a merry-go-round, among other attractions.

First stop – Griffith Observatory

Driving up the road to the Griffith Observatory, the road curves and snakes about. Keeping alert to those coming in the opposite direction is a must as there are some turns where you just cannot see what’s ahead. Once you get there, if you’re early enough, you might be able to park in the parking lot. Otherwise, grab a spot along the road leading to the observatory.

Hollywood sign from Griffith Observatory

Before even getting near telescopes, from the Griffith Observatory a visitor can see the Hollywood sign nestled on the mountainside. You can also look in the valley below – seeing through the smoggy haze – and see Hollywood, and the business center of the City of Los Angeles.

It’s a great vantage point from anywhere you stand.

Griffith Observatory

Once inside the Observatory, there are exhibits on the planets, seasons and other things celestial. There are bright, appealing displays and people of all ages were enjoying the exhibits. (No charge just to head into the observatory and look at the exhibits.)

 
People line up (and pay) to see the planetarium show, but we didn’t stop since we had a lot to see and do. The shows are held every 60-90 minutes.

There is no charge to see the building and the grounds. The Observatory is closed on Mondays.

Next stop: Going round and round

I wanted to ride on the merry-go-round at Griffith Park. Really. I love merry-go-rounds. At least you purposefully choose to go up and down, round and round. Life doesn’t always give you that choice.

Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round

The merry-go-round is a vintage one with painted, jeweled horses – some needing refurbishment – and a wonderful calliope (the Stinson Military Band Organ), playing rousing marches and other music.

Merry-go-round horse

Stinson Military Band Organ - Calliope

The painted scenes around the top of the merry-go-round have been partially restored. Some of the horses have their paint crumbling, but the ride and the music are still definitely worth it. For $2 per ride, it’s a joyous bargain.

Restored detail

Children were enjoying the ride, but some adults were unabashedly – like me – getting into the spirit of the old-fashioned entertainment, which has been around since 1937.

 
On one side under the roof of the merry-go-round is a small display with several wooden horses showing one just carved, one decorated, and one vintage horse with Walt Disney’s beaming visage on a large photo behind it.

 
If you’re going to LA, save a morning or full day to enjoy Griffith Park. And save time for the LA Zoo that is also in Griffith Park, which we didn’t have time for on this trip. Sigh – I also love zoos. Next time…I promise myself.

http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/mgr.htm

NEXT WEEK:  A trip to Alaska with guest writer Peggy Bradshaw