Touching a Whale

Bahia Magdalena, Gray Whale

I was amazed by how soft and pliable the whale's skin was.  I was expecting it to be more coarse, rubbery, and tough.  I wonder what being touched by people feels like to them, and what they think about being touched. I am also somewhat impressed by how mothers will seemingly encourage their young to approach these small boats to be touched, when just a few generations ago, boats like these carried people who were mercilessly slaughtering as many of them as possible. Have they forgotten, or have they forgiven?

©Bill Yeaton

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