Setting off to the Farne Islands for the weekend, I was excited at the prospect of the chance to see some seals in the water. Peter said "Don't bank it, you can't be certain of seeing them, and you'll just end up very disappointed". Spirits dampened, I agreed that I wouldn't get my hopes up. At least I did for a few seconds !. My mind wandered back to thought's of the 'morrows dives and, as determination popped it's head up, I stubbornly decided that I would see some seals, and nothing was going to spoil it!!

With that thought, I awoke the next morning to a dismal day. Over breakfast we awaited the skipper's decision as to where we might get a dive. We arranged to meet on the harbour wall, were it was cold, windy and dark clouds looked ready to burst - yes it was the middle of June! All the pleasure boat trips were cancelled due to the weather. Were we actually going to put to sea? Living in hope we somewhat despondently kitted up and we were rewarded, when Toby and Sovereign II arrived ready to be loaded.

We set off, merrily rolling along on the long waves, heading out to the shelter of Longstone End. If only the horizon would keep still! YUK! Pushing the thought aside I prepared to dive and in we went. "Don't linger on the surface", Peter had said. "No fear," thought I, bobbing up and down like a cork. I kept my eyes wide open, wishing the seals to appear. Peter tugged at my arm and yes! - I saw a seal, spiralling past like a corkscrew on it way to the surface. Ever more alert, I spotted a large seal, lying on the bottom. We hovered for a while, not daring to approach. Somehow, it didn't seem to be inviting visitors - after all, we had probably just frightened it's dinner away!. Surfacing from the dive, I thought, "Well, I've done it, I've seen the seals".

The horizon was still unsure of where it should be, and so was my stomach! A second dive didn't seem a good idea, but a quiet corner did. So, I huddled in my corner, whilst the rest of the group had a play with a seal, who thought it would be the star entertainment. I hated them all!! What an opportunity to miss. I've never seen Alan so enthused about a dive. I cursed the swaying boat for not sitting still - and went back to my corner.

With the promise of Maja's magic sea sick pills and a good night's sleep behind me, I faced a new day on Sunday, with the sunshine, a calmer sea, and the energy to meet whatever the day may bring. Having dived on the Somalia at early afternoon, I decided that old bikes, medicine bottles and reels of film negative weren't quite on a par with the seals. So when the skipper offered us the chance to look for seals again, and all aboard thought this was a good idea, I mentally congratulated everyone for making a very wise choice. As we approached the shelter of Blue Gap, we could see a few seals bobbing about in the water and I was quick to note which direction we needed to head, in pursuit of my goal - to see the seals just once more!

How do I begin to describe the next 45 minutes? It is difficult to put into words, the sheer pleasure that both Peter and myself will remember for a very long time. Just a few minutes into the dive, at around 10 metres, this graceful animal joined us, showing it's sleek silver grey coat, spotted with black markings. I reached out in the hope of touching it - "Wow , I stroked a seal! And it coming back for more!!" Remembering my own pet at home, I went for the tickle tummy and behind the ears manoeuvre, and this proved to be a great success. We bounded around, the three of us. Our new friend guiding me along with my hand in it's mouth, - what beautiful teeth and oh! so gentle. A fin holding onto Peter's cylinder, as they swam, side by side, ensured that Peter didn't lose his buddy - "Maybe I'll try that tactic!" Alan and Tinky joined us briefly, but didn't stay. I fleetingly wondered why? Disappointed that the game was over, as the seal swam off for air, we swam off in a new direction. Peter went ahead, with me in close pursuit. TUG! I turned around to see our friend, a look of amusement on it face, gently pulling me back with my fin. I too, then tugged at Peter's fin, and once more the game began.

Lost in wonder, I floated vertically with this beautiful creature. I tipped my head and watched it copy me. Instinctively I put my arms around it's neck and amazingly, it's fin wrapped around my arm, as if to hold me close. Our eyes met, and I drowned in those beautiful big eyes, so much depth to be seen. The whiskery nose and regulator met. My heart was captured! Poor Peter, I almost forgot he was there, but when I decided to come off cloud nine, we enjoyed our playful trio once more. With sadness, we left our friend as our gauges sank lower. But a whole host of memories came to the surface with us. And, as I boarded the boat, all I could say was - WOW!!!

I asked Alan why he didn't stay with us and play with the seal, he replied "I thought we might be interrupting an intimate moment". How right he was! Thanks to Alan for his diplomacy and to Peter for being a very understanding buddy, who is also in awe of this most graceful and gentle creature. Thanks especially to Maja, for this magical trip and the pills to help me survive.


Emergency Banana

Farnes 2004

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