I had my first command at sea when I was 23. I was the captain of a patrol cutter home ported in San Diego.
An American yacht had gone high aground in Scammon’s Lagoon, in Baja, maybe 1200 nautical miles South of San Diego. (I haven’t looked up the distance, but it was a long way, I remember that!) I was sent to rescue them and get them back to SD.
Getting underway and headed South, I became embedded in the migration of California Gray Whales, thousands of them also headed for Scammon’s. Some well over 40’ long, all exhaling noxious fumes, all moving at about 5 knots, which was my speed for fuel conservation. The yacht was now in no danger, just stuck high and dry. Bumping up against my hull, we all sailed together in happy if smelly harmony.
Our navigation was spot on, and at the precise latitude of the lagoon we all made a hard turn to port and sailed in. There was my rescue, waving and dancing. And there were all my whales in the lagoon, happy to be there.
The story has a good and professional ending. However that will wait for another time, as you requested animal encounter stories today. This one is mine.
Captain Joe -- this is so sweet, I love it!! Do you mind if I share it in our story next week as well so that other people hear it? Do you have any good coast guard photos you can share? I'm sure people would love to read this -- and I'm not sure everybody looks at the comments (well, except for me). Aaron and I were just talking about seeing whales the other day. I've seen a Gray Whale once -- and it was miraculous. It's my dream to someday see a Blue Whale ... or to snorkel with migrating humpbacks in Tahiti. Someday, maybe!
Good morning, Dear Anastasia,
I had my first command at sea when I was 23. I was the captain of a patrol cutter home ported in San Diego.
An American yacht had gone high aground in Scammon’s Lagoon, in Baja, maybe 1200 nautical miles South of San Diego. (I haven’t looked up the distance, but it was a long way, I remember that!) I was sent to rescue them and get them back to SD.
Getting underway and headed South, I became embedded in the migration of California Gray Whales, thousands of them also headed for Scammon’s. Some well over 40’ long, all exhaling noxious fumes, all moving at about 5 knots, which was my speed for fuel conservation. The yacht was now in no danger, just stuck high and dry. Bumping up against my hull, we all sailed together in happy if smelly harmony.
Our navigation was spot on, and at the precise latitude of the lagoon we all made a hard turn to port and sailed in. There was my rescue, waving and dancing. And there were all my whales in the lagoon, happy to be there.
The story has a good and professional ending. However that will wait for another time, as you requested animal encounter stories today. This one is mine.
Love,
Captain Joe
Captain Joe -- this is so sweet, I love it!! Do you mind if I share it in our story next week as well so that other people hear it? Do you have any good coast guard photos you can share? I'm sure people would love to read this -- and I'm not sure everybody looks at the comments (well, except for me). Aaron and I were just talking about seeing whales the other day. I've seen a Gray Whale once -- and it was miraculous. It's my dream to someday see a Blue Whale ... or to snorkel with migrating humpbacks in Tahiti. Someday, maybe!
Of course you may use this story as you see fit.
I am out and about now. I will send you a note when I am back in Captain’s Quarters.
Captain Joe
I am now trying to think of moments where “I am a burrito” is the best mantra… hmm…
lol, as I was writing this, I was realizing what a great mantra that was for most of the rest of my life -- HAHA! :)
Love ❤️ your stories - thank you for sharing.
Awww, love you, Lillie! Thanks for reading!!
Such a great story, and the insights in there hit home. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Heather, I so truly appreciate you reading it!