The final leg of our westward trek was to Carlsbad, California to visit son and family. Once again the ride was peppered with stunning scenes, and once again we emerged into another world.
Just look at these Carlsbad Flower Fields!
How lucky we were to be there in the early spring when over 50 acres of coastal farmland turns into a hillside rainbow painted with the vibrant colors of millions of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus. I was amazed.
AND AFTER THAT, WE WENT WHALING!
Well, I mean we went “whale watching.” In a real boat.
I mean, in a pretty big real boat.
But not as big as the cruise ship we saw in the harbor. I thought maybe we were taking that one.
But the brave captain of our little boat drove it way out – about 10 miles – and quite a few folks got seasick. Bill, Corky and I held our own but Emmy had to lie down for a bit. I had no idea about the rock and roll of ocean travel. My remedy was to hang on, sit very still, and never look down. Or was it “up?”
Did we see a whale? I think Bill and Corky did. The captain said, “LOOK RIGHT” to see a Humpback surfacing, but I looked left. Story of my life.
This looks like our boat. We were on the top deck. The fresh air helped keep breakfast settled. The views were fabulous. We saw dolphins swimming right alongside us and leaping around looking so happy to be playing games. I love dolphins don’t you?
But there is nothing like white knuckle sailing to bring a family together. We will never forget the grand finale to our westward ho journey. It was madly exciting and got us out in the sunshine too…. happy to be with family and happy to be alive.
The wondrous whaling expedition concluded our Wild West Journey of Adventures.
I loved sharing some of it with you, but back now to “Home, Sweet Home,” and Virginia Views!
About Eastern Pacific GrayWhales:
- A baby gray whale weighs 2,000 pounds at birth
- A gray whale can eat up to 2,400 pounds of food a day.
- Gray whales are estimated to live up to 70 years.
- They communicate with a series of clicks and grunts.
- A gray whale’s flukes can measure 10 to 12 feet across.
From the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, California
Wow, did you see Cindy Knoke while you were there? She posted about the ranunculus fields yesterday. Small world, eh? Glad you didn’t seasick, but sorry you missed seeing a whale. Whale watching has become very popular in our coastal waters. They are amazing & fascinating creatures. All in all, your trip sounds like it was a marvelous adventure!
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Looks like you had a fabulous time Dor & love all your photos. Whale watching and seeing dolphins is a real thrill isn’t it! Love the v pattern photo of the the ranunculus!
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Wow! Those fields of flowers are something else. And I love Dolphins. I just think they are very intelligent and happy animals.
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Oh my word , what a wonderful sight. Those mass of flowers are spectacular. Thank you Dora for such beautiful photo’s
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Sorry you didn’t see the whale, Dor…sounds like me. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your fabulous trip with us. The flowers are gorgeous! Welcome home!
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Thank you my friend! Home is definitely where the heart is. 🙂
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Thanks Cindy! High praise from a real photo genius.
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Hi Eliza. I would have loved to meet up with Cindy Knoke at the flower fields or elsewhere but we were only in her neck o the woods for 2 full days – one whaling and one at the fields. I like to think she was visiting the flower fields at the same time as we were there. Wouldn’t that have been something? I love her blog and her National Geographic style photos.
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I never see whatever we are sightseeing for but more importantly it sounds like a good time. I went on a glass bottom boat ride in a Florida park. I couldn’t recommend it. I was barfy the entire time I was on the bottom! I bet the fish (that I didn’t see) were just wonderful.
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BH always says “No, Barb, your other right.” How do people know right from left so quickly? Why couldn’t the captain have pointed and said “Look thataway!” Amazing flower fields. Amazing massive cruise ship. Happy Easter, Dor!
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Happy Easter to you to Barbara! And may we always look on the right side of life. 🙂
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I fear we both need “sea legs” Kate! 🙂
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I have been meaning to go see the Carlsbad flower fields for years. Maybe next year…BTW, you can tell me about your travels any time. I love reading about them!
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Those flower fields are really something! And thanks for reading about my travels… home now and going blank again. 🙂
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Beautiful!
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