We had to wait until noon to leave Plymouth at high tide, to head back to Provincetown for Independnece Day weekend. We thought celebrating in a town that embodies many values of American Democracy, and where the Mayflower Pact was signed would be appropriate, not to mention a population that likes to party! We had perfect sailing conditions again. With a heat wave, we also found cooler temperatures out on the open water. So we decided to make a detour and visit the Stellwagen Bank, a marine sanctuary north of Cape Cod.
This area was featured in the book and film “A Pefect Storm”, but under less idyllic circumstances. It’s a notorious feeding ground for a varietly of whale species and a popular location for whale-watching tours leaving Gloucester, Boston, and Provincetown. Sandy looked for the whale watching boats on AIS in order to help find whales. Ironically, it was only after they dispersed and we found ourselves alone that we began to spot the telltale geysers of whales (aka whale snot)! We spent a beautiful moment surrounded by a pod of humpback whales exhibiting various behaviors, including a breach, when the whale jumps out of the water and does a loud belly-flop on the surface.
We enjoyed another perfect sail back down to Provincetown where we tied up at dusk, showered, had a light dinner, and crashed after a long and exhiliarating day on the water.
19 Responses
It’s great to read about your most recent sailing excursions. All the best to you and Sandy for a fabulous 4th!
Hi Kim, Follow you back on Facebook. Have a great holiday weekend. Dan
I can’t imagine how beautiful the whales were. Have a great sail and a great stay in P-town.
Thanks Jim. Looking forward to seeing you and hoping your recovery conintues to go well. Dan
In Maui with the laws that prevent ships under power to shut down their props when surrounded by humpbacks they call you “whale napped “.
Glad you guys got to be whale napped.
Wishing you steady winds
Pete and Carol
Strange law. I would have thought the opposite.
What an exciting adventure…with so much more to experience. Thanks for sharing!
Have a great 4th!
Thank you, Catherine, and welcome aboard. Hope all is well back in the ‘hood.
Happy Independence Day!
Happy 4th, Max!
Ah, how I fondly remember whale-watching at Stellwagen Bank. About 9 years ago when our relatives from Switzerland, Tara and Fabien, visited the Boston area, I took them for a special treat — a whale-watching cruise out of Boston to Stellwagen Bank. We boarded the boat at the Aquarium pier, motored out to Stellwagen, and then waited to see whales. And waited. . . and waited . . . and . . . . With no whales on tap for at least two hours, the boat turned around and dropped everyone off back at the Aquarium pier. With whales known to frequent Stellwagen Bank so dependably, the cruise boat company guarantees a free return cruise if no whales are sighted (which I’ve never had the chance since then to take advantage of). Joanie and I have seen literally tons of humpbacks off of Mexico’s Pacific coast and the Sea of Cortez (even seeing them during their mating rituals), as well as off the coast of Maui. But from our home “turf” of Boston, we still have never seen a one.
Too bad there weren’t any out. They are out in force this year. Maybe it’s time to collect on that free trip.
What a treat! I love hearing about your sailing adventures. I did my disentanglement training near there at the Center for Coastal Studies in
P town years ago. Our first response was a humpback anchored by gear. (Yes, it was freed with the help of a local fishing vessel and crew:). Cheers!
The Center for Coastal Studies is still very active here.
Thanks for sharing your adventures Dan. We get to experience the journey vicariously (which as you know, is better than me getting seasick on board!) It sounds like another wonderful trip!
Hi Mike, So far so good. Hope you and family are all well. Il give,you a shout next time back in ROC for a visit. Dan
Glad to see you guys sailing and living the dream! Happy 4th of July to you and Sandy!
Happy 4th, Peter. Hope you’re having a good sailing season so far. Dan
Amazing how these beautiful animals put on a show for you! Looks like the perfect beginning to a summer of sailing Enjoy.