[Sam B]

Such an exciting weekend, went on a repeat whale/dolphin watching boat trip in Whakatane (repeat because we didn't see any last time and they gave a free voucher to return). We saw a couple of dolphins quite early on, but they didn't want to play, and then just as we were on the point of giving up, word came through about a whale on the other side of whale island, so round we went, and voila! A blue whale. It was amazing.

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t118/brydons_2007/DSC_3856.jpg

http://i158.photobucket.com/albums/t118/brydons_2007/DSC_3851.jpg

[NZ Hopeful]

What fantastic pictures! It looks amazing :)

[benandclare]

Super pics:nice1

[Moorf]

Wow!! You lucky, lucky things... were you on the trip that was on the TV news?

[Sam B]

Yes - I think we must have been! I didn't see the news, but the skipper said he was going to be on the news later.

[Sam B]

Googled it, and that news story was from Thursday. We saw it today, but must be the same whale.

[Jo Jo]

Wow! That's pretty amazing.

[Scotty69]

Great pictures :nice1

[Kim39]

You jammy £%*"¬!!!!!!!!!

cracking pics though Sam


Kim

[Carey]

Now that is what we'd like to see in a weekend! My Oh has always had 2 'must see's'; one a volcano erupting, (seen it in Sicily,) two a whale....still waiting!
Fab especailly when first item on Radio 4 news this am was about the whaling that is about to happen in Japan......NOOOOOOOOOOO.

[LesleyS]

That's so on my wish list Sam..... :yes

We had some bottle nose dolphins here in Pilot Bay last weekend - so close to the shore too... (note to self....always carry camera!!) :roll

[thezorbster]

Wow, how fantastic, you lucky things.

[M&J]

Yet more great pictures Sam, your really getting out and about at weekends now :nice1

[jackie m]

Wow Sam your photo's are always excellent but they seem to get better & better. Sooooooooooo jealous of the Whale. Please keep them coming:D
Jackie

[Sam B]

Thanks! My Partner - the elusive J - is the photographer, not me. I'm surprised he managed to take any as he was DESPERATE for a wee to the point of turning green, in the end he had to wee off the back of the (small) boat whilst everyone else pretended not to notice. He'll KILL me for posting this - but luckily he never comes on here so he won't know - ha ha.

[wilson182]

OOOhhhh, I can feel some blackmail coming on:D

[pinkpiggy]

Stunning pics Sam. We saw sperm whales on our whale watching trip in Kaikoura last year but no blue ones. It such an amazing sight.

[JoanneG]

Thanks Sam,

Having put our house on the market this week and suffering definite wobbles your posts help us through and remind us of all the reasons why we're doing this and to stay focused.

:cheers

[Sam B]

Happy to oblige!!

[shakyle2906]

Fab pics, most impressed!!

Sharon

[StevieD]

Nice pics Sam, it is something special when you get so close to nature isn't it?

I saw a whale off the coast of Newfoundland one time when I was on the QE2, fabulous sight.

As for dolphins and porpoise, I used to stand transfixed watching them for ages, riding the bow wave in the Bay of Biscay.....

Nature is indeed wonderful, if the human race doesn't mess it all up.