I almost stayed home. Even though winter is at last receding I am still groggy, still trying to shake of the slumber from a long winter hibernation. Nevertheless, dry days are a precious commodity in a rainforest. So, I pulled on my rubber boots anyways, knowing that moving is the only way to shake off the slumber anyways.
It was a quite morning on the water, only a few vessels were out in the cool spring air as Alaska slowly wakes up from its winter slumber. This year has been a slow awakening, at least in the uplands. The ocean is another story. While snow still covers the mountains and spring buds are just beginning to emerge, sea birds gather in masses on the water and humpback whales have returned to their summer feeding grounds. Dall’s porpoise play in vessels bow waves and the sea lions groan and moan in their usual manner, happenings we were fortunate to witness.
Days like these are rare. I’ve been fortunate enough to have spent many of days on the water, left in awe at some of the most spectacular shows put on by marine mammals and ecstatic at even the smallest glimpse into the watery wonderland. And until recently, a glimpse was all I had ever seen of a Dall’ porpoise.
Seemingly out of nowhere, little pops of water were exploding in front of us. Before we knew it, a group of Dall’s porpoises us has joined us for a little bowride. For years I have heard of the seemingly mythical behavior, something Dall’s porpoise are well known for. Yet over the years they had remained elusive, making this moment even more magical. They escorted us a good way toward the Steller sea lion haul-out before peeling off and disappearing as quickly as they had come.
Even the earliest, sleepy days of spring can be full of enchanted wonders – you’ll never know if you don’t put your boots on and go. Besides, even the quietest days on the water are peaceful and I’ve never regretted enjoying good weather, with or without wild encounters.
