A Close Encounter
22 February 2010
If any of you need tempting to get afloat in spite of this delightful Spring weather, read on. Yesterday, five of us paddled down to St Marys and back, a lovely trip in a calm grey environment. We had been looking out for the seal which had been spotted in the river by other members but had pretty much given up by the time we got back to the railway bridge. Then, just after we had passed under the bridge, the object I had taken for a mooring buoy turned around and looked at us! Our excitement at what we thought was a fleeting glimpse turned to delight as the seal proceeded to play around our kayaks; swimming around and under our boats, sniffing our outstretched paddles and even resting fins and head on the fronts of the boats, looking at us with great big eyes. In between, we were treated to dazzling displays of speed as it porpoised or swam on its side waving a fin in the air, disappearing under water to reappear behind us. No two ways about it, this delightful creature was having fun and games with us. By the time it had followed us under Cobden Bridge, we had attracted quite a crowd on the bridge and in Riverside Park. Word is that there is a colony of around 16 Common or Harbour Seals in The Solent and the top end of the tidal Itchen seems to be a regular outing for these most welcome visitors. Take a boat out soon and see if you get lucky. A wonderful close up with a wild animal.
Jon Sims
Captain
St Denys Sailing and Rowing Club
Ps For obvious reasons, could any members who fish from the boats please avoid the use of spinners for the time being. Thanks.
