Thanksgiving 2023
Yesterday was amazing…..while I have spent many Thanksgivings with my parents, brother and cousins, yesterday I spent the holiday with a family of Orcas.
These magnificent, highly social dolphins were feasting, celebrating and teaching the youngest member of their pod the technique of hunting sea lions. It was fascinating to observe for well over an hour, “target practice” as they would systematically charge the sea lion, deliver a powerful tail slap without turning it into a meal. At this point the sea lion was dead and while challenging for some to observe, these transient Orcas require nutrition from marine mammals..They need to ensure that their precise hunting methods are passed from one generation to the next. I am so thankful to have witnessed such a stunning event and then multiple pod of humpbacks were found. Thank you Sanctuary Cruises Whale Watching under the expert care of Captain Joey and Marine Biologist, Giancarlo Thomas, for an unforgettable experience.
The last Thanksgiving I spent with my mom, November 25th 2021 is a day etched into my memory. Bear would soon depart this world. Despite her pain and discomforts, Mom shined, always rising to the occasion and celebrated with her children and their partners. She had spent the previous night with us and just getting her put together was quite an effort. Always the beauty queen until the very end.
We had done ZERO food prepping so it was a very long, emotional day and at the end we were exhausted.
That evening as I drove Mom back to Sunshine Villa, in an extrovert’s attempt to make final conversation I said ” Wow, that was quite a Thanksgiving, Bear.
Her response…..” Oh honey, is that tomorrow?
I laughed until I cried….
Today I am filled with gratitude for the sincere love and support from my parents, my brother Micheal, cousins, aunts and uncles. For Dan, Michael’s wonderful partner and for my partner, Nellie who without complaint gave up Turkey with all the fixings to celebrate with me and those Orcas of Monterey Bay!
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
#Killer Whales#Monterey Bay#Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary#Moss landing#Orcas#whale watching
