Antarctica 2018 by Gael Mueller
After 3 or 4 days aboard the Island Sky, I had no clue as to direction. And now I remember moments, not days or even specific names of places.
One of my strongest memories was the spotting and following a pod of Orcas. These were smaller Orcas known as Type B. They are a smaller version of the Orca but just as beautiful and aerobatic.There were 9 or 10 on the surface. That meant that there were just as many below the surface.
When the called of “WHALE!” was heard there was a made dash to the starboard side of the ship. I don’t think I have seen as many cameras in one spot before. Everything from cell phones to what ever those huge things were in water repellent socks! I had my trusty Canon 60X, point and shoot. It had an excellent zoom and for a non-photographer, it was perfect.
I stood on the deck outside our cabin and kept the “shoot” button down. That kept the shutter clicking. As a result, I got a couple of really good shots. Real fluke shots.
Orca’s traveling in the wild. Unbelievable.
It is a day that is imprinted on my brain and in my psyche. I don’t know how long the boat stayed with the pod. It was mesmerizing. As I watch these pictures scroll past my eyes and I can feel the cold on my face, I can hear the crack of ice, I can smell the sweet, clean air. But mostly, I relive the wonder.
Was it a fluke that I was there on that day? I don’t know. But I will be forever grateful that I could see, hear and feel the Antarctica on that day and in that place.
Talkin' to Myself 
wow! that first picture is awesome — love the details in the fluke, never realized that the top edges are ragged rather than smooth. Enjoyed reading of your experience in Antartica. Thank you for sharing.
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beautiful moment!
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Wonderful. Antarctica is still on my list. Sounds as though your visit was amazing and then some.
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Wow. Memories. I spent several 8 hour days at whale research facility here on Maui attempting to ID humpbacks by fluke. Flukes are like fingerprints, just in case you hadn’t heard that. Thousands of slides and I got one match and everyone was actually impressed that I got even one. That’s an awesome shot. I wonder if there’s a database of flukes online these days? Great memory to share. Great Fluke!
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I sent the picture to the cytologist on the trip. He is running it through databases. So far no luck. They are magnificent creatures! I want to go back!
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A brilliant fluke, thank you for sharing your beautiful photos. And I’d like to thank you for following my blog/website, muchly appreciated, I hope you enjoy reading my humble writings and I’m from Geelong, Australia. Cheers. Ivor 🌏
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Ivor, I am from San Luis Obispo, California, USA. Nice to meet you!
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Thank you ❤️ for joining my campaign, hopefully our words will help. 😊, and I shall enjoy your lovely blog and posts
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What a beautiful, moving post. I have never seen whales in the wild and yet they never fail to leave me in complete awe. Such majestic creatures…you are blessed to have had such a moment. It is really hot here today but I could almost feel the chill of the arctic air…thank you…🙏😊
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Thank you, Patti!
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Very neat experience. Thanks for sharing. I love the close up of the whales tale.
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What a wonderful opportunity I agree it would be a day to always treasure.
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