The passage out was quite choppy with spray and lumps of water coming over the bow. On the first day we saw several flying fish but only a couple on the second. There were several other boats in the area all with spotters looking for whale blows or dolphin activity and when something was spotted all the boats headed in that direction. Our first encounter was a small pod of spinner Dolphins followed by a Bryde's whale. A report of a Blue Whale had all the boats chasing off in several lines abreast but unfortunately the whale that was found was another Bryde's whale, with a calf.
We passed several fishing boats with a collection of crew perched around the rigging. The boats are very narrow with an outrigger. Most are motor driven but a few were single-man and oar-driven.
Our second day seemed calmer as we headed out of port but once clear of the protection of land the sea was choppier. As the boat was smaller we had some very interesting moments with the bow crashing down onto the waves and even a whole wave crashing over the bow sending water across the deck. There was much more cloud about and it did begin to rain. The skipper obviously got a message and all the boats again turned. There were at least 15 boats out there, all heading in the same direction. When we reached the reported place the engine was cut back and we floated along waiting for a blow. Suddenly, on our left hand side a blow with a few back archings and we identified a Blue Whale. It's next blow was followed by a roll and then the tail fluke slowly came out before the animal slipped back under the water. A 10 minute wait before the whale showed again but we didn't get close before it again dived. We had 2 more sightings before the captain decided to head for home as the conditions were too unpleasant.
We returned to the hotel for a shower and dry clothes where there was a Sri Lanka wedding in full swing, some of the clothes were stunning with the bride in cream and 'bridesmaids' in red saris with long flower corsages pinned to them, before setting off on our drive to Siniraja.
The scenery changed to scenic views and jungle and we reached our last accommodation, The Rock View Motel around 4.15. After settling in and a cup of tea we went for a walk along the road until the sun set behind the hills and it quickly darkened. Along the road we found Brown-throated Needletail, Sri Lanka Swallow, Black-capped Bulbul and Oriental White-eye as well as Yellow-fronted Barbet, Scaley Munia and Chris had a fleeting glimpse of a Sri Lanka Magpie. We also found grass orchids growing on the banks and some a bright orange lily.
Along the road a group of boys were playing cricket with one set of stumps and a home made bat. A six meant the ball was lost in the undergrowth and cars caused a slight halt in play.
Back for a quick brush up and we were ready for more excellent Sri Lankan rice and curry buffet.
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