"Thar she blows!"

Every Fall a nation of humpback whales settles into Banderas Bay. They feed, they cavort, they breach, and finally the females signal availability with thunderous  fin slapping on the surface of the water. It is one of many natural spectacles here in The Nature Channel (Yelapa). Rumor has it that the spiciness of Mexican krill inflames the giant mammalian libido.

 In anticipation of gaining the first sighting of their return, November 1^st of each year is unofficially designated as Ok to Start Sighting Whales Day. We crane our necks and strain our eyes for the telltale spouting which announces an arrival. Over the ensuing two weeks the majority of us simply experience sore necks and fatigued eyes.

Then, when you least expect it, something catches your attention. Allow me to digress for just a moment. Diana and I (Memo) were enjoying our morning cup of coffee while dutifully stationed in front of our massive picture window. Our pulses accelerated slightly as we watched one, then two and ultimately three separate pods of dolphins glide into the bay. They were here for one reason and it wasn’t to sun bathe. Virtual geysers of small fish sought airborne shelter only to descend into the awaiting mouths of ravenous hunters. This event continued for the next dozen or so minutes. Then, having filled their bellies, these denizens departed our little bay with Esther Williams’ grace and synchronicity. We shared a pleasant glance and I returned to the coffee carafe for my refill.

Half-way through the pouring process, I heard a loud “flap” rebounding around the walls of the bay. It meant only one thing. Initially two, and later an entire school, of adolescent manta rays had arrived. The noise is created by these black and white sea wings actually breaching into the air and then landing belly flop style. Two of these majestic creatures demonstrated their form of aerial acrobatics. It is always a hoot to watch. The school cruised the entire beach front as if to take a victory lap prior to departure. We collectively chortled.          

Nikki, our English Shepherd, signaled that it was her appointed time for attention and headed for the front door. She and I departed for our designated convenience break location perhaps fifty quick paces away. We had barely arrived when the familiar voice of Diana hollers “Memo there’s a whale in the bay.” What was I to do? Nikki satisfied her basic needs and we returned to Casa Azul. Diana was well past jubilation and approaching giddy. She recounted each detail of the approach; the doubting of what she saw; the gentle rolling and ultimately the fluted tail appearing straight up in the air signaling its descent. Clearly the dolphins and the manta rays had been the warm-up acts for what was to follow.

The West Coast stared into its morning commute. The East Coast gazed at a mid-morning cup of coffee. Diana and I sighed, smiled and kissed. It was a great day to be a Yelapan!  

  

Commercial Break: If frolicking with feeding dolphins (just keep your hands inside the kayak), paddling through leaping manta rays (wear your helmet) or attempting to re-board your kayak after having been tossed out by the wake of a breaching whale (life vest required) sounds attractive to you; then see Memo on the Playita. He’s your man!