Key Largo to Key West

Early start today. REAL early. The alarm went off at 3:00 and Barbara dragged herself out of bed for some cereal. I didn’t.

By 3:30 it was obvious that she really meant to go hang out with these whales and that I was actually going to get up when many in the keys are just going to bed. It was a great cause, so off we went. This was a Barbara experience, so here is the story in her words:

“I had the most amazing experience today.  On May 7, a pod of pilot whales beached themselves near Key West. Four of the six survivors were transported in a Publix refrigerated truck to the Marine Mammal Conservancy in Key Largo, FL. The Conservancy is a totally volunteer organization that rehabilitates these animals with the goal of returning them to the sea when they're well. Our friend, Judi Walker, took us over to see the whales yesterday, and I was able to volunteer for a four-hour night shift from 4:00 am to 8:00 am this morning.  Bill drove me over at 3:30, dropped me off, and went back to the RV to get some more sleep.  I struggled into a wetsuit and waded into the water to meet my assigned whale, #303.  She is about 3 years old, 12 feet long and 900 pounds. Three of us were assigned to her and our job was to hold her up in the water so she could breathe - for four hours.  Fortunately, all the whales are relatively calm and easily float.  We just needed to make sure she didn't try to get away, to keep her skin wet, and periodically count her number of breaths and heart rate.  We had an uneventful four hours but fascinating.  At 8:00, the doctors arrived to give the four whales their morning physical.  Because of this, we were able to get an extra hour with the whales and a chance to help maneuver the whales to allow the doctors to examine them.  I finally said goodby to #303 at 9:00 am and left the water.  It may be another month before the whales are well enough to be let go.  I could go on forever about what it felt like to be able to help these whales and all that I learned about them in just five hours. Given another opportunity, I'll be there in an instant.”

Following the whale assist we broke camp and headed to Key West. We had to stop at the Navy base at Boca Chica to register our vehicles for entry on base at Sigsbee Island. With the higher security levels on military bases these days it was very hard maneuvering between the barricades with the coach. I got a few more pinstripes on the high driver side from some bushes, but we got it done.

We ended up in a nice spot close to the water. We will be able to walk the kayaks to the water in the morning.

Barbara is getting some of the pictures up on the gallery and is trying to get some video of the Dolphin Plus activity. Take a look.