Glacier Bay, Alaska 2000

Saturday, Glacier Bay
Today I set out to meet a researcher and study the humpback whales in the area. Dina was an amazing woman who has dedicated her life to learning more about whales and what can be done to save them. Dina's enthusiasm and passion for the orcas was contagious and I found myself getting as excited as she was.

Although we didn't see an orca during my time with Dina, we did see several humpbacks which I found thrilling.

Dina now lives in the tiny town of Gustavus so she can be close to the whales' habitat. Dina has loved whales since she was young. Dina told me that the first time she was lucky enough to look into the eyes of an orca, it changed the way she thought of these magnificent creatures.

Dina told me that the humpback whales are incredibly intelligent and the more she learns about them the more they remind her of us (humans). Their family structure and social behavior is much like ours, and she believes that once people can understand them, they will work harder to save them.

Sitting in a tiny inflatable 6 person boat, also called a Zodiac, while looking for a 40 ton whale is a mind-blowing experience. I couldn't help but think what would happen if the whale decided to surface from under our boat. Dina explained that humpbacks do not use sonar to detect objects in the water like orcas do, therefore, it is sometimes difficult for a humpback to be able to sense your presence.

Dina told me this after we had just spotted one only 40 feet away from us! When she saw my concerned look she explained that this is why she is lightly tapping the side of the boat. Sound travels very far in water and only a slight tap was enough to warn the whale of our presence. Although I was feeling brave, I couldn't stop myself from gently tapping every now and then when the whales got close!

Dina explained all sorts of interesting facts to me. For example, humpbacks are about 40 feet long, weigh 40 tons and live about 40 years. The humpbacks come to Glacier Bay each year from Hawaii and Mexico.

Back on shore, I caught up with my Dad. People who have seen him on TV have different impressions of him, but I think his best asset is the entertaining way he can relate information about animals – a way that makes people want to learn. He is just as lighthearted off screen as on screen, and you never what he’s going to do next!

For instance, the ship has a wonderful dining room and the food on board has been very good – that is until my dad decided to visit the galley, and help the chef with the crème brulé. I thought he was going to catch my hair on fire when he torched the desert after placing it in front of me!