South Coast Whale Watch

27 October 2019 / Story by Brian Clayton, Photos by Anda Clayton and Anne Zattera

The day started breezy but fine and with coffee at the Milton Heritage Bakery where we were joined by Graeme and Anne and Bill and Jan. After a pleasant drive through the South Coast forests we arrived at Huskisson ready for our morning cruise.

Small problem. While closing the roof of the leaders NC a component of the closing mechanism broke and jammed the roof. Oh well, no time now to fix it, on to the cruise.

Meeting up with the other whale watchers, we boarded the boat and set off for the open waters of Jervis Bay. The wind was rising and causing white caps which made it difficult to locate the breathing spouts of the whales. Our intrepid skipper persisted and sure enough, there were whales off the bow.

The whales were identified as a mother and calf hump back with an accompanying escort. Initially, the whales were at a distance and were diving for extended periods but then would rise and splash their tales causing much excitement among the spectators.

Time was approaching to return to port and as the skipper commenced his turn, there were the whales close up to the boat and splashing about. Great excitement.

Soon enough the whales were gone again and it was time to return to ensure we beat the outgoing tide and clear the sand bar over the entrance to the river.

Lunch was at the café by the dock and topped off a great morning. Everyone enjoyed some form of sea food.

Time to go home and with some help from Peter Feutrill, we managed to lock the NC roof in a closed position for the trip home. A pleasant (?) trip with the alarm going the whole time!

A great day enjoyed by South Coast and Illawarra chapter members. It was good to catch up with our Illawarra friends.