If you’ve never been on a small bus with 10 women, just think back to a school bus trip or ask Franchesco.I can honestly say, it doesn’t matter if a member of the female race is 5 or 45 …we always manage to cover every topic of conversation at a decibel level , that could put 200 bagpipers to shame .
Having a Whale of a time!
Two boats, 5 guides, four crew, a chef , ugly life jackets, bikinis, sunscreen and we were ready to, Own it ,Feel it and definitely Live it, on yet another Eco adventure. This time to the rugged islands of the Sea of Cortez.
First stop – Swimming with the Seals … not my first choice of mammal to swim with, in-fact the thought had never popped into my consciousness before, non the less, it was part of our exploration, of self and nature.
Harmless looking!
Sergio instructed us on the virtues of swimming with the seals.In one breathe he enticed us by describing the playful charms of a seal pup and in the next, he put the fear of God in us, as he coached us on what to do, and not to do, if confronted by a 16 foot male.
That’s when I asked, “why can’t we be content with just snorkeling?!”
The next feat was to once again struggle into the confines of the tightest wet suit we could endure…beautiful new ones, but still tight enough to embarrass any good woman and I won’t tell you what Sergio suggested we do to warm them up!
Really happy I’m alive and singing!
Wearing Snorkel masks, flippers and wet suits to keep us intact, we all felt like seasoned experts, comical, but it’s amazing how a good outfit can make you feel. One by one, the brave Seal Angels began to dive and flop into the Sea of Cortez.
I was still questioning if I really needed to add this to my list of accomplishments, was I doing this because everyone else was {ego},or because I wanted to? I didn’t relish the idea of being nipped by a pup, having bubbles blown in my face by a mother seal, or being annihilated by a whacking great sea lion, however, I was curious.We were playing in their territory, so we needed to respect their law of engagement.
My anxiety dissipated when I witnessed the seals welcome us, just as any good golden retriever would.I was in awe and inspired to dive right into the acrobatics in that moment, lead by our fearless guides who dived deep into the turquoise waters, gracefully spinning like mermaids in rhythm and sync with the seals.
I didn’t dive deep, but I did become part of the show, the spectator behind a mask. I was awe struck, allowing the real performers to come to me. The seals were watching me, watching them, as they playfully swam under and around me …it really was like playing with puppy dogs! Luckily no sea lions took an interest in me, but even so I was out of the waters in record time.
Diving deep!
I’m truly happy I swam with the seals, even for a short while. I allowed myself to feel uncomfortable, but I didn’t allow it to immobilize me. I asked myself “What am I afraid of, when will I get another opportunity like this?” After all,I wasn’t alone, I had people close by who knew these waters and it’s wild life. This wasn’t about failure or success, let’s face the seals weren’t judging me and nor were my fellow Seal Angels.This was an incredible chance to connect with another species, in a way that I wouldn’t be able to anywhere else. I didn’t have to be brave and take the lead, instead it was a chance to tread water, be the observer and trust in the unknown, those around me and my own instincts.I simply allowed myself to be totally present and look at this adventure through different lenses.
And this my friends happen before Lunch … more to come!
I bet Charlie’s Angels never swam with Seals!
Own it and Feel what it’s like to really Live it NOW!
Disclaimers-
No guides, Seals or wild life were intimidated or harmed on our adventure.
No sporting apparel or equipment company has offered to endorse, supply or photograph us.
Photographs courtesy of Anja and my I phone.
Alas, still no make-up , hair stylist , or stylist of any description assisted us.
