Puerto Madryn, Patagonia, Argentina
Monday, October 25, 2010
Finally on the boat, the National Geographic expidition begins. After two days at sea, we find ourselves at Puerto Madryn in the Valdez Peninsula. Here the Southern Right Whales come to make babies! These are really unique looking whales. Unless they come all the way out of the water you wouldn't even guess what they are. They are identified by these formations on their heads, called "callosities" that are made out of material similar to fingernails. These are then covered in small shrimp like creatures which give them a white color. (You'll see it in the closeups). The mothers try to fatten up their babies so they can make it the long swim to the Antarctic seas where they will find more food.
