"And God created great whales"

"And God created great whales and every living creature that moveth which the waters brought forth abundantly..." Genesis 1:21



Yesterday, we took the girls on two excursions: Cabo Submarine and Cabo Whale Watching.  I am still having trouble putting these experiences into words, but two songs kept coming to mind: "How Great Thou Art" and "For the Beauty of the Earth." 

We explored the Sea of Cortez in a partially submergeable submarine and were treated to a plethora of sea creatures.  Before we submerged, we enjoyed sea lions and prior to the sea lions we had watched several species of fish swimming near the dock.  I was not prepared for what we would see (even though I had seen pictures in brochures) once we went below the water's surface.  We saw puffer fish, clown fish, star fish and schools of Yellowtail Surgeonfish and Moorish Idols.  The guide had given us cards to use to identify the fish as we saw them and as we identified a fish we would call out the name so everyone could take a look. 

Our captain didn't speak, but looked perfect for the job, an olderman with skin that spoke to a life on the water and silver-gray hair that spoke to a life filled with adventures.  His son, our guide, was also perfectly suited for his job.  He was exuberant.  It was fun to see someone so excited to share his knowledge with strangers.   He was delighted each time a passenger squealed or laughed in delight as they spotted a brightly-colored fish.  And believe me, it wasn't just the children who were squealing. 

As if that trip wasn't enough, less than an hour later we boarded a mid-sized boat to go whale-watching!  The boat ride by itself was enjoyable!  While Kansas was hunkering down for a major winterstorm, we were in shorts and short-sleeved shirts enjoying the sunshine.  Our captain, Reuben, was excellent at his job.  we were able to see whales over and over again.  At one point there were fourteen boats of various sizes, watching for whales and then moving closer as the wahles were spotted.  We were with Reuben for almost two hours and in that time he only missed being the first, or one of the first, on site one time!  I can't tell you how many sightings there were, we lost count! 

It was so amazing to see one, and then two, and eventually three whales swimming together!  At one point, a whale swam beneath our boat!  I must admit it was a little terrifying to see that huge creature heading right for us, but he dove a few yards before he reached us and then came up again on the other side several seconds later. 

I will be posting pictures when we return from our trip.  But for now, all I can do is whisper the lyrics from these songs:


For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies;
For the love which from our birth,
Over and around us lies;
Lord of all, to Thee we raise
This, our hymn of grateful praise.


O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Blessings to you and yours!