“From space the planet is blue.
From space, the planet is the territory
not of humans, but of the whale.”
-Heathcote Williams
This morning started out with the ocean coming alive with whales. Much to our delight Daniel Martiniano of Pico, who stands watch throughout the day in a local vigia or look-out, spotted several blows in the vicinity of the Endeavour. Historically, these look-outs were manned in order to locate animals for local whaling companies who were in search of sperm whales. Once a whale was spotted, the look out would signal the boat and the hunt would begin.
Ironically, we received our radio call and our hunt began not with harpoons, but with binoculars. What a joy to have several groups of fin whales cruising just off the south side of Pico. Periodically the whales would roll sideways and lunge showing off their beautifully extended throat pleats as they fed. You could also see the creamy white blaze of the lower right jaw glowing aqua marine as the animals cruised right below the surface. At one point a lone fin whale surfaced with a entourage of common dolphin bow riding it’s head.
During the afternoon we had an opportunity to land on Pico. We cruised into shore on board our fleet of rubber boats and then we were driven to the town of Lages do Pico. We were met there by a local group of traditional folk singers and dancers that performed for us at the town pier. The pier seemed like the heart of a village. People watched as fishing boats and whale watchers came and went along the dock. Locals and visitors shared coffee and stories at the local cafe and people watched throughout the afternoon. It was a great way to break into the pace of Azorean life.
From space, the planet is the territory
not of humans, but of the whale.”
-Heathcote Williams
This morning started out with the ocean coming alive with whales. Much to our delight Daniel Martiniano of Pico, who stands watch throughout the day in a local vigia or look-out, spotted several blows in the vicinity of the Endeavour. Historically, these look-outs were manned in order to locate animals for local whaling companies who were in search of sperm whales. Once a whale was spotted, the look out would signal the boat and the hunt would begin.
Ironically, we received our radio call and our hunt began not with harpoons, but with binoculars. What a joy to have several groups of fin whales cruising just off the south side of Pico. Periodically the whales would roll sideways and lunge showing off their beautifully extended throat pleats as they fed. You could also see the creamy white blaze of the lower right jaw glowing aqua marine as the animals cruised right below the surface. At one point a lone fin whale surfaced with a entourage of common dolphin bow riding it’s head.
During the afternoon we had an opportunity to land on Pico. We cruised into shore on board our fleet of rubber boats and then we were driven to the town of Lages do Pico. We were met there by a local group of traditional folk singers and dancers that performed for us at the town pier. The pier seemed like the heart of a village. People watched as fishing boats and whale watchers came and went along the dock. Locals and visitors shared coffee and stories at the local cafe and people watched throughout the afternoon. It was a great way to break into the pace of Azorean life.
