Today we have visited the Plimoth Plantation. Here, they faithfully recreate the setting of our early settlers and their Native American inhabitants. Although it was rainy, much of the site was still as if in motion by its citizens. People on the plantation dressed in clothing appropriate for the time and role-played accordingly. Seeing the reality of the sites where the early settlers lived put into perspective the harsh conditions under which they arrived.

We went watching whales in Gloucester, MA today. Although the weather was cold and the sky grey, we did spot many whales. They were traveling up to three in number, and we saw a baby whale. Although Melville wrote extensively on the subject of whales, his descriptions could not do justice to the true nature of the whales. Similarly, photos are no substitute for the real thing. It takes seeing them in person to truly appreciate their essence. We were fortunate to have seen so many whales while out at sea. I was particularly amused by the fact that seagulls will roost upon a whale's head. The whales drew so close to the boat that we were touched by the sea water which was propelled from their blow-holes.