A cow / calf pair of gray whales seen at Boca de la Soledad. Although the major part of the body of the "Mom" is not seen, just by looking at the flukes (to the right) a good estimate of the size difference between the adults and the newborn whales (born a few weeks ago) is revealed. This northern part of the Hull Canal, at Magdalena Bay is characterized by strong currents that the cow calf pair seem to use as playing or "training" grounds. In order to achieve the adequate physical conditions that the calves need to migrate over 5,000 miles reaching Alaska and the Bering Sea in the summer, they need to gain at least 5 tons of body weight, and double their length before departing North. When the calves are born they are assisted by the mothers to the surface for the first few breaths, and within several hours, the calf is able to hold a relatively steady course. Nevertheless, they need the care and encouragement of their mothers, a bondage that soon will be lost.