More recently, in 2004, I had a new experience meeting gray whales (mothers and newborns) in their birthing lagoons in Baja, Mexico! We went out in small boats called pangas and waited. In the mornings, the water of the lagoon was like shimmering glass. As we slowed and finally cut the motor, I heard an enchanting sound that took my breath away. All was quite but the amazing echoes of whales breathing. It felt as if the Earth was breathing... but it was whale spouts! They were all around us making a deep rhythmic breathing sound. We barely saw anything except the very tippy-tops of a few whales, (a black water reflective footprint). It was foggy but we knew there were many whales all around us because WE COULD HEAR THEM loud and clear. We were surrounded by the amazing sound of whales breathing in every direction. What magnificent sonic breaths! Those wonderful moments still give me chills of oooh and ah. I remembered that Emerson spoke: "The earth laughs in flowers", and I want to add: "The earth breathes in whales."
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