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WHALING IN THE PUGET SOUND

         I live in Washington and sail in the Puget Sound. One warm, breezy Sunday morning my daughters, wife and I decided to go for an early sail. Not many boats were out, so we felt like we had the Sound all to ourselves. It was great sailing, until the wind died; then we found ourselves quietly bobbing in the water. We were trying to decide if we should give it up and motor home. Suddenly, my wife screamed, "Look overboard!" Right along side the boat was a gray whale! We were very excited, but frightened, too; especially, when it suddenly dove out of sight - images of "Moby Dick" quickly crossed our minds. Relieved, it finally came up again further from the boat. It stayed with us a little longer, and then disappeared just as quietly as it had arrived. We felt special because this "gentle giant" had stopped to visit us for a while. Needless to say this has always been our special sailing story - nothing else has ever compared.

Bob Christensen
Kingston, WA