Friday, January 04, 2013

Happy High Seas Birthday!






























What: A Whale Watching Cruise, with Hornblower Cruises and Events.

Why: A celebration of Natalie, the Chickenblogger's birthday. To witness the southern migration of the California Gray Whale from Alaska to the Sea of Cortez, where the whales will give birth.

Where: San Diego Harbor, Bay, and Pacific Ocean, with views of Coronado, Coronado Islands, Baja California Norte, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay, La Jolla, Point Loma... and more

Who: Natalie and Geoff, and William, Alex, Max, and Maria

Whoa! I know, right? It's quite a spectacular adventure. And as it was a stormy day we enjoyed cloud watching as much as anything else.

Worth it: Yes! Absolutely something you should not pass up. Migration of the gray whale is annual, from December through April. Our luck was not great... we saw spouting, but little else. We did not feel in the least bit disappointed as the ride alone is fun, plus the skies were stunning, and there were dolphins riding the bow, and Pinnipeds, egrets, cormorants, pelicans, and great Naval sights.

Extra Whoa: Hornblower Cruises guarantees you'll see a whale, and they decided our experience did not meet their expectations, so we have six tickets to return for another great whale watching excursion!

Any questions?

16 comments:

Sylvia said...

WOW!! Great photos, but more importantly: Happy Birthday!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Thank you, Sylvia!
I am finally learning to take in all the good wishes and celebratory fun. I may not stop enjoying this birthday celebration... until the next one!

Unknown said...

Beautiful pictures! What a great idea of something exciting and unique to do for your birthday.

judy in ky said...

Wow! I would love that! Dolphins riding the bow... sounds like a dream! We saw whales in Maui one January... spectacular!

Stephanie Barrett said...

Cool! And Happy Birthday!

Stephanie Barrett said...

Extra Whoa, indeed! Happy Birthday!

Anna Banana said...

Love the seals singing Happy Birthday to you!

Jennifer said...

So utterly fantastic that you had such a good trip AND that you get to do it again! Beautiful~~~

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

It was a great idea.
We are so spoiled in So Cal.
Geoff proposed a choice between
a road trip to the mountains,
or a boat trip to see whales...
we all voted... I think we were
in for fun, either way.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

The whales in Maui... what a spectacle!
Seeing dolphins is always a sweet treat.
Happy New Year, Judy.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Yup-yup. We are looking forward to round two.

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Yeah! Right? So thoughtful of them.
I got off the boat famished for sea food!
How impressionable is my stomach!?

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

I love that we get to pick the day, too.
There are still plenty of days left before the season is over.
Shall we reserve some spots for you three?
Some day...

ArtyZen said...

So many happy returns of the day! Sorry I missed it and this is belated but what a wonderful time you look to have had! Looks like you had the whole boat to yourselves too. Fantastic photos - so glad you had such a good day. Axxx

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Gorgeous photos, Natalie. it looks cold and windy out there! I love, love, love the tall ship. And the sun shining behind the clouds with the sailboat in the water - stunning.

Miriam said...

Happy (belated) birthday Natalie! It looks like you had a wonderful adventure, and the fact there will be Part 2 is a bonus! I hope that the year ahead is full of everything that makes your heart sing.