Day 14 Whales, Water, and Sausages in the Bathroom

Today we got up quite early – after all, we wanted to be on time with the whales. The meeting point was in Quebec. I actually didn’t feel like a three-hour bus ride, but I must say: It was really nice. We drove along the St. Lawrence River, and the landscape changed noticeably. It became hillier, more mountainous – just like one imagines Canada. I had actually missed that a bit.

Unfortunately, I could hardly take any photos since we were on the bus. Only during a short stop did I manage to take a few pictures. I hope that we will travel through a similar area tomorrow – perhaps with more opportunities to stop.

Even before the trip, we knew: Only a few participants from our bus will ride the speedboat (us!) – the others will be on a big boat, with coffee and seats. Who wants that? 😉

Right after arrival, we had to sign a liability waiver. The organizer takes no responsibility for sunburn, nausea, back injuries, wet clothing, etc. – well, fine. So let’s get into the adventure!

We were put into orange suits – pants and jackets. It reminded me SO much of the rain pants from kindergarten. Mika and I really laughed. Just as we stood there fully dressed, it started to pour – like buckets – and there was thunder. I briefly felt uncertain if this was really a good idea. But somehow we thought: They must know what they’re doing. Luckily, the rain shower lasted only 20 minutes, we were dressed accordingly – and then off we went.

The boat went fast, but it was not uncomfortable at all – on the contrary: It was a huge amount of fun. A fine mist was hovering over the water, which cleared almost by the minute until finally the sun broke through. A nice woman on the boat told us a lot about whales.

For example (and this really impressed me): A humpback whale calf gains about four kilos per hour !!!! That’s around 90 kilos per day! The mother’s milk has a fat content of 30–50 % – and that explains why the little ones grow so quickly.

Various whale species live in the St. Lawrence River – including belugas, fin whales, blue whales, and humpback whales. We rode back and forth on the boat and initially only saw a few belugas from a distance. I was a bit worried that that might be all there was.

But on the way back, it suddenly happened: The organizer was the most excited and shouted loudly – a humpback whale surfaced very close to us. There was a clear rule: The side of the boat where the whale was had to stay seated – the other side could stand up to take pictures. We had to stay seated. This meant: The whale was right on our side!

At first, we tried to take photos and videos. But at some point, I put the phone away – I wanted to see the moment, not just look through my phone.

And that was the most beautiful moment, as the whale was very close: First, it blew a fountain of water, then it surfaced a little up and down – and finally, it slowly lifted its tail fin. It looked so powerful and calm, so majestic. Simply beautiful.

Everyone on the boat was happy. On the way back, we drove back to the harbor at full speed – everyone was satisfied, the organizer foremost – but we were too.

Then a quick bite to eat, back on the bus – three hours back with lovely weather. The bus was not full, you could stretch out, Robbie Williams in your ears, a little nap.

Now we are back at the hotel, happy, a bit tired – and now?

We are going to grill. Yes, really.

We brought our little electric grill – and have since developed a certain routine: grilling in the bathroom. Just a little and very cautiously. Of course, only because there isn’t a smoke detector in there. No worry, we are really careful. And somehow it’s funny every time. A little everyday ritual – right in the middle of Canada.

Insight of the day:

Watching whales without a phone? Brave. Grilling in a hotel bathroom? Braver.