A Whale of a Tale

My cousin, Zach, works for NOAA in Fernandina Beach, FL.  It's about 30 minutes away from us.  He's been here since the spring and it's been so nice to have family close by.   His job involves education about and protection of Right Whales. 

The mama and baby whales come to our coast during the fall and winter months, where the water is still warm.  Unfortunately, they are an endangered species.  If I'm not mistaken I think there are only around 400 left in the world.

A couple of weeks ago we went to the Right Whale Festival in Jacksonville Beach.  We went mostly to support my cousin, though it was nice to get outside and walk around a bit.

 



It was the first really chilly day we've had in a while, and there was a lot of wind at the beach so we didn't stay long.   We walked around and looked a the booths.  We had our picture taken with NOAA's inflatable Right Whale.  There was also some live music being played, and some people dressed as whales, sea turtles, dolphin, and sharks walking around, which were fun for Ellie to look at. 

 

 Jeff was really excited when he saw the Coast Guard boat, and then disappointed to learn they were only letting kids climb on board.  He settled for this picture instead.  

 

Can you believe that we live 8 miles from the beach and this was our first time taking Ellie?  She was four months old before going to the beach!  I guess it's because with my open c-section wound I haven't much felt up for going to the beach.  Next summer, though, we'll be there all the time!  It was too cold and windy to take her out of the warmth and comfort of her stroller, so she didn't even make it to the sand, just to the walkway.  I definitely owe Ellie a day at the beach when I'm feeling better.

 

This picture has nothing to do with whales or the beach, but I thought it was really cute.  Ellie is modeling one of Nana's hand-knitted hats here.  We got a lot of compliments on her hat that day at the festival, and when I told my mom she said she'd give me business cards to pass out.  Since I don't have those cards yet, you can check out her Esty site instead: Nana's Petit Chapeaux.