Alumni Sue Hart Sue Hart graduated May 2004. She entered the Peace Corp and was sent to Tonga.  Here she is pictured with two of the natives of Tonga.
 

Tells her story.

Dancing with the whales

The breathtaking view of the aquamarine blue sea, coral reefs and islands spotting in and out as we ventured away commenced the day of adventure. It was not long until a dozen or more dolphins joined our party to follow us around. They swam beneath and around the boat, exciting our small crowd. Afterwards, Pele spotted a few whales in the distance. We saw a whale breach and a few blow holes went off, however, we wanted to get closer. We wanted to swim with them.

The first pod we approached consisted of two adults and a baby. Curious, as to whom we were, they came to us. These huge whales were easily spotted swimming to and fro beneath the boat. Occasionally, they popped their heads above the surface to check us out. Pele and Ongo noticed a somewhat larger pod nearby, so we went a little farther out. There were about five large whales swimming together until two pulled off and swam away. Three stuck around to entertain our group. Holly led groups of five into the water, to keep from scaring them off. Pele opened the latch to the boat's ramp and instructed individuals to jump in after Holly, one by one.

Nerves shook me as I plunged into the depths of the deep sea. Kicking feet blurred my initial view of what I was to see in front of me. Holly led the way to where we were supposed to be. We were not supposed to touch the whales nor get in a position where you could be whacked by its tail. My rush of adrenaline was put to good use as I kicked hard with my fins to keep close to Holly. Then we stopped. The whales were directly in front of us, looking. My heart beat faster and I looked to our guide as if there was something to do. They swam below us, deep down, then reappeared circling one another to the surface. It was the whales and us humans floating in an endless blue. If something existed below or around us (which I am sure there was) I would have never known. One whale was slowly coming up perpendicular to the surface, white belly in clear view, as it opened its fins as if to say "hello". Calmness swept through my body and there was a feeling of peace. The whales showed me the freedom that could exist in the sea. They continued to move around each other as if they were putting on a show. We returned to kicking our way towards them, as they slowly scooted off to follow the moves within their dance.

Whether they were entertained, curious, or playing they did not appear to be afraid. Within our presence they did not swim off, but if they slowly went too far, they would swim back. It felt as if we were in the water with them for a good part of the trip. Once the group grew tired of swimming, the whales were eager to perform above water and within arms reach of the boat. At one point, with my head looking far over the side, I jerked back a little when all three of the whales rose near to the edge of the boat as they were surfacing. Many times they would stick their head out of the water (known as spy hopping) to perhaps see if we were still there. Near the time for us to return, one of the whales breached within ten feet of the boat as a final act. Ongo started the motor of the boat for the long trip back.

The group on the boat that day was great too. Everyone was enthusiastic and positive. When swimming, some of us would were not alone in that new world. Conversation carried us faster back to town then when we first left. It was a day that would make me, and perhaps others, look back on Vava'u and wish to return when I am gone. Now and in the future, I will keep looking to pictures to remind myself that it was not a dream, but an experience of a lifetime. By far, it seemed to be the day I danced with the whales.