TREKS : <i> Thar She Blows!</i>
IT’S THAT TIME of year, when intrepid souls put to sea with firm resolve and hopeful hearts. The Pacific gray whales are on the move, and so are the people who watch them. San Pedro whale-watch volunteer Russ Buchan below offers a few basic rules to ensure a good time out over the waves.
When: Whale-watch season runs from Dec. 26 through the first week of April.
Where: Book excursions through the Cabrillo Marine Museum in San Pedro (213-832-4444; group and school packages are often available) to be assured of a museum-trained volunteer narrator.
What: Catalina Cruises Long Beach’s boats are big, so passengers can move around, and the weather affects them less, which is a boon to those who suffer from seasickness (over-the-counter remedies are available). Also, each Catalina boat has a full bar and snack bar, at which one may find a small measure of solace should the whales decide not to perform. Those who want to feel like they’ve been on a boat and not an aircraft carrier should go out on some of the smaller (standard sport-fishing-size) vessels.
Dress: Forget the fancy date attire and high-heels, but not a warm sweater or jacket. It may be balmy on shore, but it’ll be chilly out at sea.
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