The last image of this impressive nature display on a wharf near the ferry landing in Port Townsend WA.

They did a great job of preserving this huge skeleton and presenting it in an ideal setting. Definitely worth a visit when in the neighborhood.

Happy Friday!

Tags:   Gunther the Gray Whale whale skeleton whale on a wharf nature Port Townsend Washington

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Here's the jaw and head of this nicely preserved 42 foot gray whale.

At the top is his blow hole.

Thanks for checking him out!

Tags:   Gunther gray whale whale skeleton preservation display whale on a wharf Port Townsend Washington

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A closer view of this impressive display.

"The death of this whale was one of many North Pacific gray whale mortalities between 2019 and 2023. In that time, nearly 700 gray whales died and washed ashore on the west coast of North America, from Mexico to Alaska. The cause of this surge of gray whale deaths, defined under the Marine Mammal Protection Act as an Unusual Mortality Event (UME), is not yet fully known. Changes to our climate and its impact on marine ecosystems, including the food sources on which these whales depend, may be the cause. Scientists continue to monitor and investigate this disturbing trend.

When CRC-1727 (aka Gunther) washed ashore, the National and Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN) took action. Coordinated locally by the PTMSC and working alongside network members, Cascadia Research, and SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR3), scientists and volunteers towed the whale to a nearby beach and conducted a necropsy.

While his cause of death was inconclusive, it was clear that he was facing an extreme lack of food; he was emaciated, his blubber thin and dry, with little in his stomach besides eelgrass and small pieces of plastic. Eelgrass is not normally a food source for gray whales, and it was determined that Gunther was “desperation feeding”.

NOAA seized this opportunity to spread the word about these unusual deaths (UME) and Gunther quickly made national and international headlines when a local couple, Dr. Stefanie Worwag and Mario Rivera, volunteers with the Stranding Network, decided (after checking with adjacent neighbors) to allow him to decompose naturally on the private beach in front of their Port Hadlock home.

By 2022, the couple knew the finished product would be a popular attraction and approached PTMSC for suggestions for a public display location, leading to a collaboration with the Port of Port Townsend and the City of Port Townsend. PTMSC secured donations and permits needed to complete the installation so that his story could be shared." ptmsc.org

What a treat to see, appreciate and respect.

Tags:   Port Townsend Whale gray whale whale display wharf science Washington

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Something different....
The west coast of America is home to several types of whales, which are alway a treat to see and watch.

"In May of 2019, the 42-foot carcass of a male gray whale washed up on the shores of northwestern Puget Sound.

Today his complete skeleton is on permanent outdoor display, on Union Wharf, along the waterfront of Port Townsend, WA. It was given the nickname “Gunther” the gray whale by veterinarian Dr. Stefanie Worwag and her husband, retired police officer Mario Rivera.

Worwag and Rivera then gained permission from NOAA to articulate Gunther’s skeleton, (originally to be on their property), and began a multi-year rebuilding process. They asked for advice and assistance from industrial designer Les Schnick and shipwright Ric Brenden, who volunteered to create a mount for the massive skeleton. Their highly skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail, turned a large pile of bones into the magnificent gray whale skeleton exhibit on Union Wharf." ptmsc.com

I'll be posting 3 more images of this impressive display over the next 3 days. Hit L to see Gunther better.

Thanks for taking a look!

Tags:   Whale on a Wharf Gunther gray whale display Union Wharf Port Townsend Washington whales

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One of the pinnacles catching first light with some vineyards and orchards below.

Peshastin Pinnacles State Park features sandstone slabs and spires in a desert environment with views of the surrounding orchards, Enchantment Range, and Wenatchee Valley. Park activities include rock climbing, hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing.

Largely used as a climbing park, Peshastin Pinnacles also makes an ideal stop on Highway 2 to stretch your legs, or as a destination during a visit to Leavenworth, Wenatchee, Cashmere or Chelan.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Tags:   sunrise dawn morning Peshastin Pinnacles autumn Wenatchee Valley Cashmere Washington rock climbing

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