Sperm Whale Pilgrimage to Strandhill

Today we set off straight from school on an expedition to witness the beautiful but tragic fate of a Sperm Whale on the shores of County Sligo. Its only a few days since I posted enviously about the sighting of whales by an Australian family on Hop Skip Jump, claiming that here in Ireland my family get excited at the prospect of sighting a  garden worm, never mind a whale! So eating my own words here we were setting off to see one on our own shores. Obviously its not exactly elating to see such a majestic animal in its final hours, stranded on land. However I wanted my children, and myself, to see the magnificent size of this beautiful mammal, and have true appreciation for something we have only formerly seen in a book, or on television. When we arrived at low tide there were already fifty or more people making their way silently across the sand banks towards the massive black shiny body. There was a sense of excitement, but the main feeling which emanated from the gathering was reminiscent of a congregation arriving to pay their last respects. The whale was still a good distance from the edge of the water, where people stood with binoculars. I think if I were a whale in my final hours I would be very pleased to have chosen the estuary at Strandhill for my final hours. The whole scene was breathtaking. The estuary is straddled on one side by Knocknarae with the sentinel of Queen Maeves Grave at its summit, and on the other, by the wild Ox Mountains. Occasional shafts of sunlight split the heavy grey clouds, and smoky veils of misty rain crawled down the mountains and across the sand banks. Very moving. The children seemed more intent on running through the water in the piddling rain than getting a look at a whale! Later I appointed myself extra brownie points for bringing the kids two changes of clothes, and the adults a flask of hot tea. Unfortunately these points had to be removed not long after, when I realised I’d forgotten my wallet.

Comments

[Rebecca]

Yes it was all very moving, and I'm sure one day the kids will recall the memory. But even if they don't, I will. Next time I'll try to remember my wallet for those non essentials such as petrol!!!

[Fiona]

Your whale experience sounds amazing! There is something so humbling about being up so close to such a huge creature in a non-zoo environment, isn't there? (Even if the kids don't quite get how profound it is - mine didn't either!!) And I just love your photos of the coast, it looks like an incredibly beautiful place.

[little cotton rabbits]

Beautiful photographs - and a moving epitaph for the whale.

[Eren]

I had to laugh at the ending to your post. I am also much better at planning for the rest of the family and not so great about planning for myself. Ive loved seeing what your create with your lovely wool!