Be the seal

The drive along the west coast of the south island is one of the top 10 most beautiful drives in the world. We spent several days cruising along the coast, with some interesting stops along the way.

We stopped to watch people bungy jump off a bridge...umm no thanks.

I did enjoy the swinging bridge. It hangs over a gorge with a rushing river below. I walked one way across it then took the 'flying fox' back. I sat in a harness attached to a rope and over the bridge, went sailing back.

The Franz Josef glacier and surrounding area is picturesque.

In Westport, we visited the largest seal colony I have ever seen. The area was protected so we viewed them from a platform that hung over the coast. As I watched the baby seals play, I wished I could be in the water with them.

In Kaiteriteri, my wish came true! We joined a small group and took a boat to the Abel Tasman national park area. We put on full body wet suits - including head cover - and jumped in. The water was so cold! I spent about five minutes talking myself into staying in the water. Finally the thin layer of water in my wet suit started warming next to my body and I began enjoying the cute seals. We swam around this little island the seals called home. We could not touch, chase, or approach the seals. We had to stay 10 meters from the island.

Our leader started diving and spinning under the water. Suddenly several of the seals scooted off the rocks and were diving and spinning all around us. Marty learned quickly and joined in. The seals were entertained. I watched through my snorkel mask, slightly hesitant.

I just floated (outside the 10 meter line) and enjoyed watching the babies. One baby seal swam up to me, stared for a second then quickly swam back to the other two and then teased them to try. So the next baby swam over, a little closer for a stare then zipped back to the rock to taunt the next one. This scene went on for about 10 minutes until one of the elder seals noticed the youngsters getting too close - about one foot from my staring eyes - swam up to the kids and sqwaked at them. Playtime was over and they retreated upon the rocky shore.

So I decided to watch the adults. I noticed Marty diving and spinning. The seals would imitate right behind him. On one of his dives, it seemed like the seal was his shadow, only a couple feet behind Marty, he copied his moves exactly.

I was encouraged and tried it myself. I took a deep breath and dove down. Not real sucessful on the first try. I dove deeper. Suddenly, I didn't care about anything. I was twisting and spinning under water. I saw a huge starfish and swam right toward it. I stared for a second then bulleted strait up and out of the water. I took a quick breath and continued my under water dance. I noticed several of the seals dancing with me. I was positive energy and they wanted to be around it. I felt so free. A freedom of life I have never known. No worries, no hurries, just living. And for a moment... I was the seal.