Bold Visitor from the Deep

I knew whales were following me. I could see their backs breaking the surface off to my side as I did my ocean swim this morning.

Finally, one got bold and swam straight at me to check me out. I wasn't the least bit concerned, this has happened many times over the years and they always veer away just before reaching me.

Then I realized that this whale was rather small. Oh no! What is the mother going to think? What is the escort going to do? I quickly started backpedaling away. I did not want to get between a mother and her calf!

Although it was small, it wasn't that small. Whew! It was undoubtedly a year-old juvenile on its own. It swam under me, then around me twice looking me over. Then it swam casually away. I gave thanks for the experience then quietly swam away in the other direction. Click HERE for lots more photos from this morning's encounter.