This past Friday, I embarked upon a trip I haven't taken since I was a Senior in High School. I went whale watching off the coast of San Diego. This time, it was with my 7 year old daughter on a first grade field trip. I have to say, my maturity level hasn't changed much, nor has the trip...but, what a different experience to see it through her eyes.
It's always fun to get out on the water (I am a commercial fisherman's daughter and have always loved being on the bow of a boat), and it was a beautiful, clear day. The bay was teeming with activity, most of it Naval.... from overhead helicopters buzzing by, the tarmac roaring with planes taking off from the Air Station, sea lions lazily sleeping the morning away on various buoys. We even watched a human chain of sailors reload a nuclear submarine. And that, was all before we left the bay!
But the most fun, was watching my daughter and her little friends clutch the railing, taking it all in. I was so proud as a parent, that just by living here, we can offer this to her. What a gift for both of us. My childhood field trips consisted of sweating in the blazing Arizona sun at some western shootout, nibbling on a sandwich I hoped wasn't spread with salmonella by lunchtime. (Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of my "wild west" roots, but 5 years in a row?)
So, this was heaven. And earth's most beautiful creatures did show their heads. (Check out my video). We spotted a couple gray whales and several dolphins...but, I was really referring to the kids. Everything through their eyes is even more remarkable, more stunning and certainly in full living color. So, the next time I complain about my property taxes, I will tap this boatload of wonderful memories with my daughter...and be glad I dropped anchor in San Diego.
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