HermanusTimes

My adventure starts early on a beautiful Friday morning. The conditions are perfect, a windless, clear, sunny day with a hint of snow in the air. I arrive at Weltevrede Farm, just outside Stanford, bursting with absolute excitement.

Evan and his daughter wait for me at the plane that will take us to see the sacred creatures of the ocean, the southern right whales. We board the four-seater Mooney and with effortless take-off, we climb to 1 000 feet flying over a local wildlife resort.

I spot zebras, wildebeest and springbuck. As we approached the ocean from Gansbaai the roofs of the houses look so colourful - the epitomy of holiday spirit.

The ocean stretches out before us royal blue and crystal clear.

Evan points out that he has seen something so we descend to get a better view. And there they are, a southern right and her calf floating in the ocean. The enormity of her body is almost unbelievable and for a second I feel small.

The calf is swimming very close to its mother. Evan explains that the bond they have is very similar to humans. His knowledge of these giants is astounding and really enriches the experience.

We fly for a few more minutes and spot two great whites on the shoreline.Their eeriness is visible from the air as they move their fierce bodies through the waves.

By now we have seen about 27 whales, some in mating groups of four or five. As we approach the old harbour, Evan makes a turn over Hermanus - it looks so beautiful nestled in between the mountains and the sea.

Just outside the old harbour we see dolphins playing frivolously in the water and some more whales entertaining the tourists.

Upon heading back Evan says he wants to show me something. To my left we fly past two massive waterfalls running parallel too each other in the mountain. After all the torrential rain everything is so lush and prolific.

As we land I feel as if I had woken up from another world. One of awe, breathtaking beauty and sacred waters.

If you want the same awsome experience, contact Evan on 079 898 0784. A special: Two people flying with the Hermanus Times counting whales at only R1 000 per person, maximum two people per flight.