Minke off New Brunswick

So I'm back.  The cats have forgiven me for ditching them and giving my sister a key so she could kittysit.

Other stuff happened, but here's the part that's most likely to interest you readers: Went whale watching.  It's early in the season so that out there is a minke whale, which as far as whales go is small.  The big beasties don't come out until September.  Anyway, seeing whales is one of those things I've wanted to do for years but being unable to drive means I can't get around the Maritimes.  Brother-in-law getting married out there is the only reason I could get to St Andrews ( other family can drive, and as long as we just happen to be there and have some time to fill ... )

There were at least two minkes and they were apparently being quite active - we saw them a couple dozen times.  The guide said they usually stay under longer.  I guess the tastiest krill were near the surface.  They came closer than this picture but trying to get shots was nigh-impossible since they'd appear with minimal warning and immediately dive again.

There were a half-dozen whale watching tours but the company we chose was recommended by the local marine science types as the most ecologically-friendly.  I just wanted to look at the whales, not bug them.