Chasing Giants on the Autumn Seas
I’ve never chased a giant before. The reason is simple. Except for several black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains. Buffaloes and other residents of Yellowstone National Park—wildlife avoid me.
It’s a running joke between my husband and me. Still, traveling across the U.S.A., my camera or cell phone is always at the ready. One day, I know, the ultimate image of my Leviathan will come—even if I don’t know what that looks like. But I’ll know it when I see it!
The search reminds me of Herman Melville’s quest to find Moby Dick—wait! That’s it! Whales!
The advertisement stated, ‘Guaranteed to see whales and dolphins!’Location: Gloucester, Massachusetts. Hmm, whales and dolphins, guaranteed. How could I lose?
We’ll be in New England this fall—think brisk air, fiery foliage. I booked the tour, purchased waterproof pouches for our phones, and researched what we would need for the four-hour tour—namely, heavy coats (waterproof), hats, and gloves. Apparently, it’s twenty degrees colder out at sea in Massachusetts than on land. Um, spending four hours in thirty-something to forty degrees temperature with a wind chill. I was not prepared for that. Bring sea-sickness pills. I didn’t think that through. I get very sick on amusement rides and cruises. Thank goodness for Bonnine!
Hesitation fills my brain and dreams. We miss the boat. I vomit the entire trip. I drop my phone in the ocean. There are no whales. I see whales—but I’m not fast enough to take pictures. What the hell? This was supposed to be a great adventure! Now, wait a minute. Mind-shift.
It’s going to be a great adventure! A lot of fun! It will be like Mr. Scott says to Captain Kirk in Star Trek IV, “Captain, there be whales here!” Like Herman Melville, I’m going to get my whale! I’ll have a picture worthy of National Geographic! One can dream. Wish me luck.
Deborah Sickle Hill 