September 18, 2020
When I saw that Ranger Deb—Hunterdon County’s resident naturalist and all-around outdoor guru—was leading a whale watching trip, I didn’t hesitate. I signed up faster than a seagull swooping in on a French fry.
We piled into the trusty Hunterdon County Parks van (the kind that says “field trip” and “adventure” all at once) and headed to Belmar, NJ, where our vessel, the Jersey Girl, awaited. She was no luxury liner, but she had plenty of character—and a snack bar, which counts for a lot in my book.
It was a picture-perfect day: clear skies, calm seas, and not a hint of wind. The crew was friendly and full of fun whale facts, which I tried to remember but mostly just enjoyed the ride. And then—there they were. Three different juvenile humpback whales, each identified by the unique curve of their dorsal fin, like aquatic fingerprints.
Watching these massive creatures surface and dive felt both thrilling and oddly peaceful. It’s humbling to realize how small we are compared to something that lives entirely in a world beneath the waves.
By the time we returned to shore, the group was all smiles, sunscreen, and sea salt. Once again, Ranger Deb proved she knows exactly how to mix education with adventure—no whale tails left unseen. The best adventures are the ones shared with good company and a splash of salt air.
