It's that time again! The majestic grey whales and beautiful Orcas are returning to Puget Sound and the moment has come to welcome them back. Each year, the city of Langley on Whidbey Island features an exuberant and colorful parade that finishes with a one-of-a-kind ceremony overlooking the water. The event features a plethora of costumes, great music, Native American folklore, and a few exciting surprises.
This year, the festival and parade will be held on April 14th. You don't want to miss it!
There is no sight quite like the sight of a whale. Seeing a creature that massive and beautiful is a breathtaking and unforgettable experience. I recall one afternoon enjoying the sun at the Lime Kiln Lighthouse on San Juan Island, when a pod of Orcas passed through. They seemed so close I could have reached out and touched one of their glistening black fins. They rose and fell through the water like rhythmic, ebony rainbows. As the pod moved around the bend where the lighthouse is perched, I stretched my neck and peered around as far as I could, and there witnessed something I'll never forget: a breaching Orca. They must have just finished feeding (as someone explained to me) and were happily playing. I was awestruck seeing the giant mammal leap from the water and come crashing back to the sound on its back. I was absolutely filled with wonder.
I've never seen a grey whale myself, but I'd love to someday. Cecilia Llompart, a poet, probably describes best what the experience must be like from her poem "The Barnacle and the Grey Whale":
"You enchant me, with your carnival of force.
Yours is a system of slow.
There is you, the pulley and there is you, the weight.
Your eyes wide on a hymn.
Your deep song like the turn of that first, the earliest of wheels."
I can't think of a more fitting event for Langley to celebrate than the return of their mystical whales. Culture and nature come together seamlessly at the Welcome the Whales Festival. Make your plans now and come join us for an unforgettable experience.
Learn more at the Langley Chamber of Commerce website: https://visitlangley.com/lp/whale-parade/
Photo credit: https://beautifulnow.is/discover/nature-science/the-biggest-beautiful-grey-creature-alive-the-great-whale-once-near-extinct-is-now-bouncing-back-thanks-to-an-important-deal-with-oil-company-that-protects-their-native-north-pacific-ocean-learn-more-in-this-bn-daily-fix