Even tho we have an Arctic front supposedly moving into our area over the Christmas weekend, with sub-freezing temps for a couple of days, I thought I'd go back a week or two, back to my regular day-trippin', when the day was balmy and the sun was shining. I went to Port Aransas to do my CBC [Christmas Bird Count] for the year. After I left the birding center, I drove to the ship channel jetty in hopes of seeing some ships come and perhaps, if lucky, seeing dolphins...
The first one I saw was a pilot boat heading out. Which means that one of the ships anchored out to sea was awaiting coming thru the channel as the now pilot aboard will guide them thru, safely.
Just minutes behind the pilot boat a tanker was leaving, and the pilot boat first seen was returning after dropping off the pilot onboard the tanker coming in...
My anticipating some dolphin action at the ship's bow, I didn't have too long-a-wait to see some once the tanker edged its way closer to where I stood...
When observers [I'm not the only one watching!] await the ship nearing them, it seems painfully slow. That, of course, is a safety measure! Most commercial vessels must maintain a speed of 6 to 8 knots to maintain steerage and they must remain near the center of a narrow channel. And to convert knots to MPH that would equal approximately 9 mph!! Slow as molasses comes to mind.
BACKGROUND: The Corpus Christi Ship Channel (CCSC) is a 45-ft deep channel that extends from the Gulf of Mexico 34 miles into the Port of Corpus Christi.
From where I stand on the jetty to watch the ships enter and exit, it's about one mile if that much.
That would be a treat to watch, especially with the dolphins.
ReplyDeleteI know I never tire of their antics
Deleteso wonderful to observe these dolphins flip and flop all around
ReplyDeleteIt is!!
DeleteHow exciting to see the dolphins frolicking!
ReplyDeleteIt is pure pleasure!!
DeleteI bet you never get tired of seeing those dolphins jumping!
ReplyDeleteIt's almost a"sport" for me. 🙂
DeleteThe Dolphins are absolutely amazing!! And I love the tugboat coming into towards the camera. My favorite photo of all is the people walking in front of the propeller that is absolutely spectacular
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the anchors being washed off (between the two people) ...and the pilot boat returning not a tugboat). I love spotting the dolphins if I can!!
DeleteAmazing seeing ships that large maneuvering about. That shot of the fisherman on the rocks was a bit spooky. Wasn't sure he was real at first.
ReplyDeleteMany people take their chances in this area!
DeleteFantastic captures, Anni! The ones of the dolphin(s) in action are STELLAR! Reminds me of my years living in South Florida and watching them jump through the ocean.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to be cold here too this weekend. I just saw on the weather report that on Christmas Eve it's dropping to 25 degrees.
There is something special everywhere we call home, but the sea is my favorite!!
DeleteI love to see the dolphins and look forward to your posts that include them.
ReplyDeleteI try to see them when I go out to the jetties, but it's not often they show themselves.
DeleteSplendid action shots captured of these dolphins jumping out of the water! Many people in my neck of the woods are wanting to see the harbor become less industrialized and more recreational/residential. If only they knew how much they would miss the tankers that come in.
ReplyDeleteThat would be nice, but harbors are important industries we "can't" live without.
DeleteSeeing ships coming and going in the Soo Locks last year I realized how slow they have to go! Love you picture! Wish I could see a dolphin once in a while!
ReplyDeleteCome on down!! 😉
DeleteI've seen many dolphins happily leaping offshore in the ocean area of SC but never up close like this and never near a ship. These are exciting and beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteThey are close by, for sure
DeleteI love seeing the dolphins cavorting in the water. Terrific photos of them and the huge tanker too. Hope you are continuing to heal. After all of this time I still have a bit of discolor on my cheeks and on my knee. I guess my old age doesn't help in the healing process anyhoo...
ReplyDeleteSue
I'm pretty much healed...a couple of crust spots on my forehead yet probably a battlefield scar!!!
DeleteHow awesome to see the Dolphins!! You got some great pictures. Granny M
ReplyDeleteThanks GM
DeleteOMG! This is so cool. I never saw them in real life. Love the dolphin shot!
ReplyDeleteI always watch for them when ships are in the channel They are fun to watch
DeleteWhat a treat it must be to see the dolphins!! Great captures.
ReplyDeleteThey are fun to watch!!
DeleteTo answer your question...we didn't feel a thing in the Sacramento area. It's extremely rare to have a shaker here. Where we used to live in the San Francisco Bay Area, we got All Shook Up quite often. Sue
ReplyDeleteThat's good to know. Thanks for uodate
DeleteThis must be a pretty busy place. What gorgeous shots of the dolphins you got!! I have heard that they follow ships and like to kind of play with them.
ReplyDeleteYes, they do enjoy ships it seems!!
DeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteI like seeing the other things in the photos too. I spy a fella heading out to fish.
I didn't notice him until I took the photo off the camera card!
DeleteYou see such amazing things!!!
ReplyDelete🙂
DeleteI'm so happy for you about the dolphins. 😊❤️
ReplyDeleteThey are so loveable.
DeleteIt is amazing to watch the pilots transfer from their boat to the ship they are guiding.
ReplyDeleteWill on our Alaskan cruise we saw that transfer several times...and both boat and ship moving.
I love dolphins and your photos are splendid.
Hugs and I hope you are healing nicely
Cecilia
Thanks for the well wishes Ms. C
DeleteTrying again and this time I can comment. HAVING random issues with commenting. it's probably something to do with my new laptop.
ReplyDeletelove the dolphins...
Happy Christmas
oh and to answer your question.... only one picture in my last post. everything is harder, for now. in time, i hope i master it all, again. -smile-
ReplyDeleteThat must have been great to see the dolphins so active. Great action shots of them and shipping shots are awesome. Hope you are recovering well.
ReplyDelete