My obsession with whales continues. While stopping to visit the wreck of the Peter Iredale on the Oregon coast, I found a bunch of people checking out a dead sperm whale. Of course, I had to hobble down to the beach to see for myself. The first photo shows the relationship between the whale and the shipwreck.
![DSC_9852.JPG (6.94 MiB) Viewed 2075 times Sperm1](./../download/file.php?id=37034&t=1&sid=8d3c5e97b7c8a044f74492c500b3cb78)
- Sperm1
A newspaper article said an expert had determined that it had been struck by a ship. No expert needed. The lacerations caused by a large propeller are obvious to anyone. I am somewhat empathetic with the whale because many years ago, I was cut up by a boat propeller. A much smaller propeller in my case.
![DSC_9853.JPG (5.89 MiB) Viewed 2075 times Propeller marks](./../download/file.php?id=37035&t=1&sid=8d3c5e97b7c8a044f74492c500b3cb78)
- Propeller marks
The final picture shows the whale from head on. I suspect the missing slice in the picture was the result of a tissue sample taken when the researchers conducted a necropsy.
![DSC_9855.JPG (5.32 MiB) Viewed 2075 times Head shot](./../download/file.php?id=37036&t=1&sid=8d3c5e97b7c8a044f74492c500b3cb78)
- Head shot
I much prefer to see whales alive. In fact, I am down here on the coast hoping to catch sight of any gray whale stragglers on their southern migration.
-Curt
![:rawlings: :rawlings:](./../images/smilies/oldtimer.gif)
Happy to be alive.