Re: [Paddlewise] Whales

I wrote:

>So Tom - I encourage you to seek out some of these magnificent
>creatures and paddle with them.  I think you'll be very pleasantly
>surprised.

And Shawn responded:

>>This response isn't necessarily a direct response to Melissa, but 
to everyone in general.

Before everyone rushes off to seek out and paddle with whales, keep 
in mind that the Marine Mammal Protection Act in the US states that 
you must stay at least 200 yards away from marine mammals.  You also
shouldn't put yourself on an intercept course so that they will swim
toward you where you are stopped.<<

-snip-

Good point Shawn.  This is why (in spite of the response to Jackie I 
just wrote), I generally don't advertise my location.

I'm hoping that even though I just mentioned it in my last post 
response to Jackie's question, the people reading this list will 
respect the whales and the generally quiet life they enjoy before 
coming out here with "100-or-so close friends" to chase them around 
every weekend.  

In general, I've come to respect the people on this list, and trust 
that most - if not all of you - are considerate to the marine 
wildlife we encounter, and act responsibly when you're around them.

Melissa




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