Mist hung in the air as a gentle breeze caressed my skin.

The air smelled fresh, as it always does at the sea. Seals barked in the distance, their sounds echoing off the row of shops and restaurants. Seagulls scurried away as I drew near, some taking flight. The occasional whiff of sauteed garlic and fried seafood wafted through air.

A gust of wind caressed my bare legs, giving them goosebumps. Men winked and smiled as I sashayed down the long dock.

Excitement was in the air. The hair at the back of my neck tingled.

I was simultaneously electrified with anticipation yet afraid of the potential danger being so close to the known killers. I waited with baited breath, hoping to catch a glimpse of the large, dangerous group. Others were scared, too, while some jockeyed for the best spot to see them.

The water lapped at the side of the large passenger vessel as it gently pushed off the dock. There was a long journey ahead of me.

A shiver went up my spine.

I spent the day on Old Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, California. I saw whales! Finally.

Thanks to Princess Monterey Whale Watching, I got to sit in the wheelhouse of the Pacific Explorer with Captain “Duke”, and a couple other crew members. As soon as we were away from the dock, he put on the radio the theme from The Love Boat. Peels of laughter went up.

Love, exciting and new
Come aboard, we’re expecting you
Love, life’s sweetest reward
Let it flow, it floats back to you

Love Boat soon will be making another run
The Love Boat promises something for everyone
Set a course for adventure
Your mind on a new romance.”

But then he played the theme from Gilligan’s Island and we were rolling on the floor with laughter!

Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.

The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.”

There were Orcas (“Killer Whales”, the Bay Boys of the sea), Humpbacks, and Blue Whales! My friend took this video of the orcas (and dolphins?). My video skills are seriously lacking, but I got to see flukes (the tails) and spouts! It was awesome!

The crew was fantastic. I overheard them talking about a trip that went out where no one saw anything. They felt bad for the passengers and asked the owner to give them all comps! The entire passenger list was given comps for that trip! Now that’s pretty nice service, folks.

If you get to Monterey, check out Princess Monterey Whale Watching – they’ve got the largest boats, and the best service. Just to be clear – I was not paid to write this and only agreed to do so on the terms it would be my honest opinion.

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Before you get on board the ship, you should stop at Pirate’s Cove on the wharf and get yerself some pirate booty, er I mean bounty. The whole store is just pirate stuff! Most of it very funny.

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The day ended with a wonderful dinner at Chris Shake’s Old Fisherman’s Grotto. The food was fantastic and very fresh, and the presentation was beautiful! Executive Chef Juan Ponce is a master at blending unique flavors with an aesthetically pleasing presentation. My mouth is watering just recalling yesterday’s meal! Here’s what we had…

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Sure, maybe I’m biased… they’re nice folks, and I’m easy when you feed me. So don’t take my word for it – The Monterey County Herald just awarded The Grotto winners of the BEST CLAM CHOWDER! This is not an easy feat in Monterey! They also won the People’s Choice Award!

Can’t get to Old Fisherman’s Wharf but now I’ve made you hungry? The Grotto has a cookbook!