Friday, September 20, 2019

DARN-GOOD....DANDELIONS !


AS  A  KID  GROWING  UP  IN  ENGLAND  THERE  WAS  A  DRINK  CALLED  "DANDELION  AND  BURDOCK"----  SUPER  GOOD  IT  WAS - Keith Hunt


Dandelions Are Not Weeds! Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion

Jun 4, 2019 Carly Fraser 



People spray their lawns to get rid of it, while others use it to heal their body of numerous ailments. What could it be? Well, dandelions of course!
Whether your eat or juice the greens, indulge in the honey-flavoured flowers or steep some dandelion root tea, this herb is pure magic!
The health benefits of dandelion include bone and skin health, help with liver and urinary disorders, acne, jaundice, diabetes, cancer and anemia.
The only problem is, is that most people are killing the very plant that could be helping them. Dandelions are not a pesky weed, and should be utilized to their full advantage!

Dandelions Are Not Weeds

Only in the twentieth century did humans decide that the dandelion was a weed. Before the invention of perfectly manicured lawns, dandelions were more less praised as a natural medicine, food source and out-right magic. Back in the day, grass was dug out to make room for the dandelions – just imagine!



According to the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, “The use of dandelions in the healing arts goes so far back that tracing its history is like trying to catch a dandelion seed as it floats over the grass. For millennia, dandelion tonics have been used to help the body’s filter, the liver, remove toxins from the bloodstream. In olden times, dandelions were prescribed for every ailment from warts to the plague. To this day, herbalists hail the dandelion as the perfect plant medicine: It is a gentle diuretic that provides nutrients and helps the digestive system function at peak efficiency.”
Dandelions are also good for your lawn. Their roots break through hard-packed soil to help aerate the earth and help reduce erosion. Their deep taproots pull up calcium and other nutrients from the depths of the soil, making them available to other plants. These nutrients actually help fertilize the soil, improving the quality of grass and other surrounding plants.
The less we focus on dandelion as being a “weed”, the more we can appreciate what this plant truly is – a natural medicine that can actually help treat many ailments we see today.

Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion

Dandelions are a green and growing first aid kit! Their ability to heal and nourish the body from the inside out make them one plant you definitely do not want to get rid of this summer. There’s a reason dried dandelion root is so expensive.
Here are 10 of the most important health benefits of dandelion:

Stronger Bones

Dandelions are calcium-rich, which is the main element required for the growth of strong, healthy bones. They are also high in antioxidants like Luteolin and Vitamin C, which protect from loss of bone density and bone weakening (1).

Liver Health

One of the greatest benefits of dandelion is it’s effect on our liver. Dandelion improves liver function by removing toxins, encouraging bile flow, and re-establishing hydration and electrolyte balance (2).

Diabetes

Dandelion helps stimulate the pancreas to produce insulin, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It is also a natural diuretic, and thus encourages urination. What does this have to do with diabetes? It helps remove excess sugar and salt from the body, and reduces sugar build-up in the kidneys (thus helping reduce the risk of renal problems in diabetics) (3).

  • Urinary Health
As mentioned above, dandelions are a great natural diuretic, and so they help eliminate toxic build-up in the kidneys and urinary tract. The anti-microbial properties of dandelion also prevent bacterial growth in the urinary system, which is great for individuals suffering from recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) (4).

Better Skin

Dandelion is an excellent detoxifier and antioxidant, making it one of the best herbal remedies for treating acne and other skin problems like psoriasis and eczema. It helps purify the blood, and improves liver function, both of which result in beautiful, glowing skin. The major chlorophyll content in dandelion greens is also a win-win for skin health.

Cancer

Another important use for dandelion is its powerful effects against cancer. Many studies have found that dandelion root extract is effective against the treatment of leukaemia and breast cancer. It acts by inducing apoptosis in leukaemia cells, while leaving healthy cells alone. It also has a positive impact against cancer cells that are resistant to chemotherapy.

A 2011 Canadian study found skin cancer cells treated with dandelion root extract started dying off within just 48 hours of treatment. Dandelion root has also been shown to be effective against pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer.

Jaundice

Thanks to the liver-healing abilities of dandelion, it also helps with jaundice, a disorder of the liver, where it overproduces bile and messes with the body’s metabolism. Dandelion helps regulate bile production, and also promotes urination, helping to get rid of excess bile (5).

Gall Bladder Disorders

Dandelion leaf is great for stimulating a sluggish gallbladder (the organ that stores and excretes bile as the body needs it). Gallstones can even be flushed out by using a combination of dandelion and milk thistle.

Digestive Issues

Dandelion contains mucilage and inulin (6), which soothe the digestive tract and make food processing easier. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, which is crucial for proper intestinal health and improving gut flora. If you suffer from constipation or diarrhea, eat some dandelion greens!

Circulatory Health

The high levels of iron, B-vitamins and protein in dandelion make it a perfect food to eat if you suffer from anemia or other blood-related disorders. Dandelion is also a natural diuretic, so it helps lower blood pressure by getting rid of excess salt in the body. The fibre in dandelion is also helpful in reducing cholesterol, which we all know is an integral part of maintaining a healthy circulatory system.

How to Use Dandelion

Dandelion can be utilized in all its forms. Whether you want to use the flower and leafy greens in your salad, or steep a body-warming tea with the root, you can receive so many benefits from the plant!
Here are some options for including dandelion in your day-to-day life:

– Harvest dandelion, clean the roots, dry them in a dehydrator and then make a tea out of them. Alternatively, you can steep dandelion root tea from a bag, but this is much more expensive.
– Harvest dandelion greens and stick them in a juicer for a major liver-cleansing “juice shot”.
– Add some dandelion flowers to your salad or to garnish another meal.
– Make a dandelion green salad mixed with other tender leafy greens to offset the bitters with more bland flavours and textures.
There are so many ways you can enjoy the benefits of dandelions. What are some ways you’ve utilized dandelion in your life? Let me know in the comments below!

FOR PREGNANT MOMS....A FINE WEBSITE



Constipation During Pregnancy: Causes, Risks, And Remedies


Can’t remember the last time you went number two? Are you feeling gassy, bloated, and clogged up? You might just be constipated.
But don’t worry, mama, you’re not alone.
Constipation is a common complaint among pregnant women. It could even be one of the first signs that you’re expecting. But, that doesn’t mean you have to suffer. There are some things you can do to help get things moving and stay regular again.
In this post, we will cover the causes, risks, and remedies of constipation during pregnancy. We’ll even let you know which over-the-counter meds are considered safe to take. 

What Causes Constipation In Pregnancy?

Constipation can be quite unpleasant, but unfortunately extremely common during pregnancy – some reports say up to 44% of women experience it (source). As your belly gets bigger the pressure of your growing uterus on your rectum only exacerbates the issue.
There are a number of reasons that could be the cause of your pregnancy constipation.
It might even be a combination of them:
  • Progesterone levels: What can’t you blame on hormones? Progesterone levels are elevated during pregnancy, and this hormone is known to relax the muscles in the digestive tract, causing food to pass slowly through the intestines (source).
  • Iron supplements: Although iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, constipation can be a side effect of getting too much. Iron supplements are notorious for causing GI upsets, so you may need to speak with your midwife or doctor about switching to a prenatal vitamin with less iron. They might also suggest you change the iron supplement, the dose or how often you take it. Make sure you follow the instructions because anemia is very common in pregnancy and can be a cause of health issues for mom and her baby (source). Always communicate any side-effects you might experience with your healthcare provider.
  • Dehydration: Pregnancy makes you more prone to dehydration, as your body is using more water to help form the placenta and amniotic sac. If you’re dehydrated, your body struggles to perform routine functions, and it can even lead to some severe complications.
  • Lack of activity: As your belly gets bigger, it can become harder to stay active, or at least stay motivated, which is important for keeping you regular.
  • Stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, especially as you get closer and closer to your due date. Your brain and your gut talk back and forth, and stress can start holding everything up. Try to avoid worrying too much, as this can affect movement too.
  • Growing uterus: Your uterus grows and grows and it pressures your rectum, especially late in the pregnancy. This compression can interfere with your bowel movement.
There’s also a chance your constipation may not be pregnancy-related at all and could be due to a low-fiber diet, too much dairy, or a new medication.
Some foods you should stay away from if you are suffering from constipation include bananas, fried foods, potato chips, red meat, white bread, white rice, white pasta, and dairy products.

Can Constipation Be Harmful To My Baby?

Constipation isn’t usually a cause for concern during pregnancy, but occasionally it can be a symptom of another problem. Be sure to call your OB or midwife if you have constipation accompanied by severe abdominal pain, alternating with diarrhea, or if you pass any blood or mucus.
As long as you’re not in labor, straining to pass a bowel movement should not hurt you or your baby. It could cause or worsen hemorrhoids, which are uncomfortable, but nothing to be overly concerned about.
This increase in pressure, like you feel like you have to pass a bowel movement, could be associated with contractions though.
Listen To Your Body
So, if you’re less than 37 weeks and you’re noticing this pressure along with lower abdominal cramping, lower backache, or abdominal tightening, be sure to go in and get checked for preterm labor.

10 Constipation Remedies

If you find yourself having difficulty going to the toilet, you may need to try these ten pregnancy-safe home remedies to get things moving again.
  1. Plenty of Fluids: Drinking lots of water throughout the day will help flush things through. Make sure you’re getting at least ten 8-ounce glasses of water a day to replace lost fluids. This can even help with constipation caused by taking iron supplements. If it’s hot outside or if your activity level is high – you should take more fluids correspondingly.
  2. Get Moving: Moving helps things get moving! Walking, swimming and yoga are all great exercises for your pregnant body.
  3. Warm Bath: A nice warm soak will help relax your stomach muscles and will encourage stools to move through. A nice warm soak will help relax you and your stomach muscles and will encourage stools to move through.
  4. Increase Fiber Intake: High-fiber foods help remove undigested food from your intestines and into the toilet. Broccoli, berries, beans, brown rice, and green leafy vegetables all work wonders to help you go.
  5. Drink Lemon Water: Take the juice from half a lemon, mix it into a glass of water, and drink before you go to bed. The water helps soften the stool, and the lemon has a high acidic content, which works on the GI tract to get things moving (source).
  6. Eat ‘P’ Foods: Many ‘P’ foods contain sorbitol, which acts as a laxative. Pears, prunes, peaches, peas, and pumpkin all work great for remedying constipation. I would drink a glass of prune juice when I would get backed up when I was pregnant with baby No. 2, and it worked every time.
  7. Up Your Vitamin C: High doses of vitamin C are known to attract water into your intestinal tract and soften your stool. . Be sure not to go over 2,000 milligrams per day though, including your prenatal vitamin. That’s the upper limit, but latest recommendations suggest that pregnant women older than 18 should take 85 mg of vitamin C per day (source). New research points against routine vitamin C supplementation unless advised by your healthcare provider (source). Rather, you should try eating foods that are high in vitamin C, like broccoli, bell peppers, and strawberries.
  8. Add in Some Probiotics: The probiotic strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium encourage healthy bowels and help regulate the digestive system. Yogurt and kefir are both great options for adding in some healthy gut bacteria to your diet. And guess another natural source of probiotics? Pickles!
  9. Magnesium-rich Foods: Magnesium directs water to the intestines, makes the stools softer and easier to pass. Be sure you’re getting 350 milligrams per day by eating magnesium-rich foods, such as dark chocolate, spinach, nuts, and fish (source).
  10. Use a Squatty Potty: The angle makes all the difference when it comes to pooping, and the squatty potty puts your body into a squatting position that helps prevent straining, constipation, and even hemorrhoids. Plus, it also helps you with getting ready to push during labor!
Continue to drink lots of fluids, stay active, and consume foods with fiber, probiotics, and magnesium throughout your pregnancy. These are vital for a healthy pregnancy and will help prevent your constipation from returning.
You’ll be happy to know that those prenatal vitamins you are taking can also help with constipation, especially folic acid. You can also enjoy the benefits of the vitamin B complex, and vitamin B5, in particular, can help not only with constipation but also with those annoying leg cramps. You can get it from egg yolks, whole grains, avocado, sweet potato, sunflower seeds, broccoli (source).
Headshot of Dr. Irena Ilic, MD
Editor's Note:
Dr. Irena Ilic, MD

Are There Any OTC Medications I Can Take?

If home remedies aren’t working for you, you may need to talk with your doctor or midwife about trying a laxative or stool softener.
Here are some over-the-counter medications that are generally considered safe to take during pregnancy and your provider may suggest (source):
  • Colace (docusate sodium): Your doctor might have you try a stool softener, like Colace, first before turning to laxatives. The active ingredient in stool softeners is minimally absorbed by the body, so there is very little chance it could pass to or harm your baby in any way.
  • Milk of Magnesia (magnesium hydroxide): This is a mild laxative you may need to try if a stool softener alone doesn’t do the trick. Milk of Magnesia may have a yucky taste, but it works like a charm for many expecting moms.
  • Metamucil (psyllium): Metamucil is another safe option your provider may suggest. It is a bulk-producing laxative that draws water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass. It’s also used as a fiber supplement.
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) and senna are both stimulant laxatives that have been found to be safe in pregnancy. Because they are stimulants, though, they can cause abdominal cramps and diarrhea and can lead to dehydration. Some recommendations state that bisacodyl should be avoided during the first trimester. Senna should be taken with caution, and only if your doctor recommends. (source). Always make sure to talk with your healthcare provider before taking any OTC medications during pregnancy.
Note that some natural constipation remedies, supplements or OTC products can make you bloated, cause cramping or diarrhea. Make sure you let your doctor know of any symptoms you might experience while taking any of these.
Headshot of Dr. Irena Ilic, MD
Editor's Note:
Dr. Irena Ilic, MD

What Medications Should I Avoid?

Always be sure to avoid polyethylene glycol and magnesium citrate while expecting, as these could possibly harm your baby.
Castor oil must also be avoided, as it can cause irregular and painful contractions, which can be stressful on mom and baby, and possibly even lead to labor. It may also cause your baby to pass meconium before delivery, which often leads to complications after birth (source).
Play It Safe
Make sure you do not overuse laxatives. Overuse could lead to diarrhea and dehydration, which in turn could cause serious complications for you and your baby.

Combat Your Constipation

Being backed up is rather unpleasant, yet a fairly common occurrence for many expecting moms, thanks to hormones, stress, and sometimes iron supplements. Straining from constipation can be uncomfortable and cause hemorrhoids, but generally isn’t a cause for concern during pregnancy.
Try taking a warm bath, upping your vitamin C, and eating some prunes, pears, and papayas to try to get things moving again. Staying hydrated, eating high fiber foods, exercising, and adding some probiotics into your diet will help to keep you regular.
But don’t be embarrassed to talk to your doctor or health care provider if things don’t seem to be improving.
Headshot of Dr. Irena Ilic, MD


Cloudy Urine During Pregnancy: Should You Be Worried?
Breast Pain During Pregnancy: Causes & Effective Remedies
Sore Throat During Pregnancy: When Should You See Your Doctor?
Allergies During Pregnancy: Causes & Safe Treatments
Hiccups During Pregnancy: Causes, Remedies & When You Should Worry
Dehydration During Pregnancy: Symptoms & Tips for Prevention

Sunday, September 8, 2019

SO-CALLED MINI-ICE-AGE....FANTASY!


A  SO-CALLED  MINI  ICE  AGE…..THAT  SUPPOSEDLY  COVERED  MOST  OF  NORTH  AMERICA….MOST  OF  THE  BRITISH  ISLES  AND  A  LOT  OF  EUROPE——SOME  SAY  15  TO  20  THOUSAND  YEARS  AGO.

HOW  DOES  THIS  STACK  UP  WITH  WHAT  YOU  ARE  ABOUT  TO  READ— TAKEN  FROM  A  BBC  DVD,  NARRATED  BY  DAVID  ATENBOROUGHER.


THE  GREAT  FEAST

THE  POWER  OF  THE  SUN  DRIVES  OUR  SEASONS,  TRANSFORMING  OUR  PLANET.

DRAMATIC  SEA TIDES  AND  AIR  FLOW  BRING  CHANGES  THROUGH  THE  YEAR.  

AND  IN  A  FEW  PLACES  THESE  CHANGES  PRODUCE  SOME  OF  THE  MOST  DRAMATIC  CHANGES  ON  EARTH.

THE  SEAS  ALONG  THE  PACIFIC  COAST  OF  AMERICA  CAN  BE  SOME  OF  THE  RICHEST  ON  THE  PLANET.

THE  COAST  WATERS  CREATE  SOME  OF  THE  GREATEST  LIFE  ON  EARTH,  DRIVEN  BY  SOME  OF  THE  TINIEST  CREATURES;  AS  THEIR  NUMBERS  MULTIPLY  THEY  FEED  VAST  SHOELS  OF  FISH,  WHICH  IN  TURN  PROVIDE  FOOD  FOR  EVER  LARGER  HUNTERS.

BILLIONS  OF  LIVES  WILL  BE  SHAPED  BY  THIS  EMENSE  BLOOM. AND  THE  MIGHTIEST  HUNTER  OF  THEM  ALL,  FINDS  A  REMARKABLE  WAY  TO  HARVEST  THIS  FEAST.

IT’S  JANUARY - BOTH LAND  AND  SEA  ARE  LOCKED  IN  THE  DEPTH  OF  WINTER—— [AH  BUT  THERE  IS  SUPPOSED  TO  BE  AN  ICE-AGE  PREVENTING  WHAT  YOUR  ABOUT  TO  HEAR - Keith Hunt].

THE  SEAS  ALONG  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA  AND  BRITISH  COLUMBIA,  WILL  BECOME  THE  RICHES  ON  EARTH [THEY  WILL?  WITH  A  MASSIVE   ICE  AGE  15  TO  20  THOUSAND OR  MORE  YEARS  AGO - Keith Hunt]

BUT  FOR  THE  MOMENT  THEY  LIE  DORMANT [YA  UNDER  A  MILE  OR  TWO  OF  ICE, SO  THEY  WANT  US  TO  BELIEVE - Keith Hunt].

THE  TIME  OF  GREAT  FEASTING  IS  MANY  MONTHS  AWAY [HOW  ABOUT  MANY  MANY  YEARS  AWAY  UNDER  AN  ICE  FIELD - Keith Hunt].

A  NUMBER  OF  MAGICAL  CHANGES  MUST  TAKE  PLACE [YEP  THE  BIGGEST,  MELTING  OF  THE  1  OR  2  MILE  ICE  OVER  MOST  OF  THE  NORTHERN  ICE  SHIELD—LONG  LONG  LONG  TIME  TO  MELT - Keith Hunt]

THE  MOST  CRUCIAL  CHANGE  WITH  BE  DRIVEN  BY  THE  SUN.

AND  THIS  COASTLINE  WITH  ITS  INLETS  AND  SHAPED  BY  GLACIERS,  WILL  PLAY  A  HUGE  PART  FOR  THE  BIG  FEAST.  BUT  FOR  NOW  IT  REMAINS  IN  THE  COLD,  ONLY  THE  TOUGHEST  CAN  SURVIVE [I  GUESS  SO  1  AND  2  MILE  ICE  SHIELD,  AND  EVEN  A  MINI  ICE  AGE  STILL  LASTS  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS BEFORE IT CAN ALL MELT - Keith Hunt].

THE  SEA-LIONS  HUGGLE  TOGETHER  TO  SHARE  WARMTH.  IT’S  JUST  5  DEGREES  F.  THEY  HAVE  NO  CHOICE   BUT  TO  SUFFER  THE  WEATHER [DID  THEY  NOT  KNOW  THEY  WERE  1  OR  2  MILES  ON  TOP  OF  AN  ICE-SHIELD;  DID  THEY  NOT  KNOW  FOOD  WAS  NOT  COMING;  DID  THEY  NOT  KNOW  THEY  WERE  STUCK  IN  A  MINI-ICE-AGE? Keith Hunt].

THE  SHOELS  OF  FISH  THEY  DEPEND  ON  LIVE  NOW  IN  THE  DEEP  WATER [COLD DOWN THERE, WHY BOTHER COMING UP; VERY COLD UP THERE  ALSO — 1 TO 2 MILE ICE SHIELD - Keith Hunt]

THE  SHOELS  OF  FISH  THEY  DEPEND  ON  LIVE  NOW  IN  THE  DEEPEST  WATER.

FOR  NOW  THE  FISHING  IS  HARD; IT’S  AN  UNFORGIVING  PLACE  TO  RAISE  A  FAMILY [GUESS  SO  ICE  AND  ICE  EVERYWHERE,  1  OR  2  MILES  THICK;  AIN’T  GOING  TO  DO  WELL  AT  ALL  RAISING  ANYONE. Keith Hunt]

IT’S  AN  UNFORGIVING  PLACE  TO  RAISE  CHILDREN  UPON [YA  I  GUESS  SO — 1  OR  2  MILE  THICK  ICE  OVER  MOST  OF  THE  NORTHERN  HEMISPHERE - Keith Hunt].

THE  CONDITIONS  ARE  SO  SEVERE  THE  MOTHER  SEA-LIONS  HAVE  TO  SUCKLE  THEIR  YOUNG  UP  TO  3  YEARS [WELL  IF  THEY  WERE  LIVING  ON  AN  ICE  SHELF  UNDER  A  MINI  ICE-AGE….. THE  MOMS  AND  YOUNG  WOULD  NEVER  HAVE  SURVIVED;  THEY  WOULD  I  SUPPOSE  HAVE  EVOLVED  TO  GO  AWAY,  STAY  AWAY,  AND  NOT  BOTHER  WITH  AN  ICE  SHELF  OF  A  MILE  OR  MORE  THICK.  BECAUSE  WE  STILL  HAVE  SEA-LIONS,  THEY  MUST  HAVE  MIGRATED  OR  WERE  NEVER  THERE  IN  THE  FIRST  PLACE.  AND  IF  THAT  WAS  SO,  WHY  ON  EARTH  DID  THEY  MOVE  UP  TO  THE  ALASKA  REGION?  WHY  LEAVE  AN  AREA  THEY  LIVED  IN  NICELY?  HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW  AFTER  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER,  TO  MOVE  TO  THE  ALASKA  AREA  TO  BREED  AND  RAISE  A  FAMILY? HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW  THERE  WOULD  BE  FOOD  FOR  THEM?  DOES  EVOLUTION  HAVE  A  MIND  THAT  TALKS  TO  ITSELF  -  Keith Hunt]

FOR  THIS  PREGNANT  SEA-LION  THE  RISKS  ARE  EVEN  GREATER.

THE  SEAS  MUST  COME  TO  LIFE  IN  GOOD  TIME  FOR  THE  ARRIVAL  OF  HER  PUP,  AND  AT  THIS  STAGE  THE  ODDS  DON’T  LOOK  GOOD [HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  TALK  TO  ITSELF  AND  SAY  “WELL  THE  ODDS  WILL  BE  GOOD”? - Keith Hunt]

FOR  NOW  ALL  SHE  CAN  DO  IS  WAIT  FOR  THE  SUN  TO  BRING  CHANGE [BUT  IF  SHE  WAS  SURVIVING  WHERE  SHE  WAS,  WHY  MOVE  AWAY  TO  A  PLACE  THAT  SHE  DID  NOT  KNOW,  AND  HAVE  TO  WORK  WITH  “ODDS”  THAT  COULD  HAVE  KILLED  HER  -  Keith Hunt]

THESE  SEAS  HAVE  THE  POTENTIAL  TO  GIVE  FOOD  AT  THE  HEIGHT  OF  THE  SEASON;  THEY  CAN  ATTRACT  HUNTERS  FROM  AROUND  THE  VAST  PACIFIC [BUT  HOW  DID  THESE  HUNTERS  KNOW  THERE  WOULD  BE  FOOD  IN  THE  ALASKA  AREA?  DOES  EVOLUTION  HAVE  A  MIND  THAT  TALKS  TO  ITSELF?  LIKE  “YOU  KNOW  IF  YOU  TRAVEL  TO  ALASKA  AND  THOSE  INLETS  YOU  WILL  FIND  FOOD  THERE.”  Keith Hunt]

AND  THREE  THOUSAND  MILES  AWAY  IN  THE  WATERS  OF  HAWAII,  ANOTHER  MOTHER  IS  ABOUT  TO  EMBARK  ON  AN  EPIC  JOURNEY.  THE  HUMP-BACK  WHALE  HAS  ALREADY  GIVEN  BIRTH.  HER  CALF  IS  JUST  A  FEW  WEEKS  OLD.  HE  STAYS  CLOSE  TO  HIS  MOM.

THE  DIFFERENCE  BETWEEN  HAWAII  AND  ALASKA  WATERS  COULD  HARDLY  BE  GREATER.  HAWAII  ARE  CALM  WARM  WATERS  WITH  FEW  PREDATORS.   A  FINE  NURSERY  FOR  THE  YOUNGSTERS.  THE  CALF  IS  DRINKING  100  GALLONS  OF  MILK  A  DAY. HE  IS  BUILDING  UP  STRENGTH  FOR  THE  LONG  JOURNEY  HE  SOON  HAS  TO  UNDERTAKE.

MORE  THAN  FIVE  THOUSAND  HUMP-BACK WHALES  COME  TO  HAWAII  EACH  YEAR;  MALES  LURED  HERE  FOR  MATING,  THEY  FIGHT  AMONG  THEMSELVES  WITH  GREAT  FEATS  OF  STRENGTH.

BUT  NONE  OF  THESE  WHALES  CAN  ACTUALLY  FEED  HERE.  FOR  THESE  TROPICAL  WATERS  ARE  PRACTICALLY  LIFELESS!

[WOW….. WHY  ON  EARTH  DID  EVOLUTION  DECIDE  TO  PUT  THESE  WHALES  IN  A  LIFELESS  SEA  FOR  BREEDING,  AND  THEN  DECIDE  IT  KNEW  THERE  WAS  FOOD  THOUSANDS  OF  MILES  AWAY  IN  ALASKA?  THEN  HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  KNOW  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER  AND  FOOD  WOULD  BE  FOUND  IN  THE  EATERN  WATERS  OF  ALASKA?  HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  TELL  THE  WHALES  HOW  TO  GET  TO  THE  RIGHT  SPOT  ON  THAT  COAST  OF  ALASKA?  AND  IF  THEY  WERE  SURVIVING  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  FOR  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS,  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  PUT  THEM  IN  A  DIFFERENT  PLACE  FOR  BREEDING  AND  THEN  HAVE  TO  TRAVEL  THOUSANDS  OF  MILES  TO  FIND  FOOD?  Keith Hunt]

THE  OCEANS  GREATER  RICHES  ARE  TO  BE  FOUND  IN  COLDER  WATERS.  SO  ALL  THESE  WHALES  MUST  RETURN  TO  THE  COLDER  WATERS  OF  THE  PACIFIC  TO  FEED.

THE  PLAYFUL  CALF  SUCKLES  FROM  ITS  MOTHER  EVERY  DAY.

BUT  SHE  HASN’T  HAD  ANYTHING  TO  EAT  SINCE  SHE  LEFT  ALASKA  4  MONTHS  AGO.  SHE  WILL  NOT  FEED  AGAIN  UNTIL  SHE  RETURNS [WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  DECIDE  ON  THIS  HARD  SOMEWHAT  CRAZY  WAY  OF  LIVING  AND  BREEDING  AND  NURSING  A  CALF?  THE  MOTHER  TO-BE,  SWIMS  ALL  THE  WAY  TO  HAWAII  TO  BREED  AND  PRODUCE  A  CALF;  NO  FOOD  THERE  FOR  EITHER  OF  THEM;  THEN  WITH  HER  CALF  SWIMS  ALL  THE  WAY  BACK  TO  ALSAKA  TO  OBTAIN  FOOD,  JUST  AT  THE  RIGHT  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR,  OR  BOTH  MOTHER  AND  CALF  DIE  OF  STARVATION! WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  COME  UP  WITH  THIS  PATTERN  OF  LIVING?  IF  EVOLUTION  CAN  TALK  TO  ITSELF,  SURELY  IT  COULD  HAVE  TALKED  ITSELF  INTO  DOING  THINGS  MUCH  EASIER  FOR  THESE  PARTICULAR  WHALES.  AND  HOW  DID  THE  WHALES  KNOW  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER,  AND  FOOD  COULD  BE  FOUND  THREE  THOUSAND  MILES  AWAY?  IF  THE  MOM  WAS  LIVING  AND  REPRODUCING  OUTSIDE  OF  THE  ICE-AGE-SHELF,  FOR  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS,  THEN   WHY  BOTHER  TO  MOVE  TO  HAWAII  WHERE  THERE  WAS  NO  FOOD?  AND  HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  TELL  THE  WHALE  THERE  WAS  FOOD  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR  OFF  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA? - Keith Hunt]

LIKE  THE  PREGNANT  SEA-LION  THIS  MOTHER  HAS  TO  GET  HER  TIMING  RIGHT.  SHE  MUST  ARRIVE  OFF  THE  SEAS  OF  ALASKA  WHEN  THEY  ARE  FULL  OF  FISH.  THEIR  JOURNEY  NORTH  EAST  WILL  TAKE  THREE  MONTHS! [HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  KNOW  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  HOW  DID  EVOLUTION  KNOW  THERE  WAS  AN  ALASKA  AND  FISH  FOR  FOOD  WOULD  BE  THERE  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR?  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  BRING  THESE  WHALES  TO  HAWAII  TO  BREED  IN  THE  FIRST  PLACE?  AND  IF  THERE  IS  NO  FOOD  FOR  THE  WHALES  IN  THE  WATERS  OF  HAWAII,  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  BRING  THEM  THERE  TO  BEGIN  WITH?  WAS  IT  TO  PROVE  “THE  SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITEST”?  Keith Hunt]

BACK  IN  ALASKA  THE  SEAS  ARE  BEGINNING  TO  AWAKEN.  IT’S  MARCH  AND  AS  THE  SUN  STARTS  TO  GATHER  STRENGTH  WINTER  LOOSENS  ITS  GRIP.  FOR  THE  SEA-LIONS  THINGS  ARE  BEGINNING  TO  LOOK  UP [O  WOW….I  GUESS  SO,  HOW  DID  THEY  MANAGE  TO  LIVE  THROUGH  AN  ICE-AGE  OF  1  TO  2  MILES  DEEP  SNOW  SHELF?  AND  IF  THEY  LIVED  BECAUSE  THEY  WERE  NOT  THERE,  THEN  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  BRING  THEM  TO  BE  THERE  JUST  AS  THE  LAST  ICE  WAS  MELTING  AWAY,  AND  THE  YEAR  WAS  LIKE  IT  IS  TODAY?  IF  THEY  WERE  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  AND  LIVING  JUST  FINE,  WHY  WOULD  EVOLUTION  DECIDE (CAUSE  IT  HAS  A  MIND  AND  CAN  TALK  TO  ITSELF  YOU  KNOW—TONGUE  IN  CHEEK)  TO  MOVE  THEM  TO  ALASKA,  AND  DEPEND  ON  FOOD  THAT  COMES  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR?  Keith Hunt]

THE  SUN  IS  DRAWING  LIFE  FROM  THE  DEPTH.

WITH  EACH  PART  OF  THE  DAY  THE  SUN  GETS  WARMER,  PENETRATING  DEEP  INTO  THE  MINERAL  RICH  WATERS.  FERTILIZING  NUTRIENTS  SUCH  AS  PHOSPHORUS  AND  NITROGEN,  FUEL  A  MIRACULOUS  CHANGE  WHICH  IS  NOW  BEGINNING.

EMPTY  SEAS  START  TO  COME  TO  LIFE!

AS  WE  ENTER  AN  ADVANCED  VIEW  OF  THIS  MICROSCOPIC  WORLD  WE  SEE  THE  BEGINNING  OF  A  MICROSCOPIC  TRANSFORMATION.

FYTER  PLANKTON,  TINY  FLOATING  PLANTS  EMERGE.  EACH  IS  SCARCELY  BIGGER  THAN  A  SPECK  OF  DUST;   BUT  TOGETHER  THESE  PLANKTON  WILL  BLOOM  IN  SUCH  IMMENSE  NUMBERS  THEY  WILL  TRANSFORM  LIFELESS  SEAS.  AND  IF  THAT  IS  TO  HAPPEN  THIS  YEAR  IS  YET  TO  BE  DETERMINED.

ALL  CREATURES  HERE  FROM  THE  SEA - SEA-LIONS  TO  MIGRATING  WHALES,  ULTIMATELY  DEPEND  ON  THESE  MINUTE  PLANTS.  

[BUT  UNDER  AN  ICE-AGE  IT  WAS  TOO  COLD,  THE  SUN  JUST  NOT  WARM  ENOUGH  TO  PENETRATE  THE  1  TO  2  MILE  ICE  SHELF;  NO  PLANKTON,  NO  FOOD  TO  GO  UP  THE  CHAIN  OF  FOOD  LIFE  FOR  FISH,  FOR  SEA-LIONS,  FOR  MIGRATING  WHALES.  SO  NO  LIFE  WAS  THERE,  NO  FISH,  NO  SEA-LIONS,  NO  MIGRATING  WHALE  AND  ITS  CALF  FROM  HAWAII.  THEY  WERE  LIVING  FOR  WE  HAVE  THEM  WITH  US  TODAY;  THEY  DIDN’T  THEN  NEED  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA  FOR  FOOD.  SO  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  TELL  THEM  IT  WOULD  ALL  CHANGE  FOR  THEM?  WHY  TRY  TO  MEND  SOMETHING  THAT  IS  NOT  BROKEN?  Keith Hunt]      

FOR  ONE  CREATURE  THAT  RELIES  DIRECTLY  ON  THE  PLANKTON,  THIS  IS  THE  MOMENT  TO  EMERGE!

PACIFIC  HERRING,  HAVE  SPENT  THE  WINTER  IN  THE  DEPTHS  OF  THE  FJORDS,  BUT  THEY  NOW  RISE  UP  AND  HEAD  FOR  THE  SHALLOW  COAST.  STIMULATED  BY  THE  SUN  AND  WARMING  WATER,  THEY  GATHER  IN  THEIR  HUNDREDS  OF  MILLIONS.  BUT  THEY’RE  NOT  DRAWN  HERE  TO  FEED…. THEY  ARE  FOLLOWING  AN  IRRESISTIBLE  PULL  TO  BREED.

GROUPS  OF  MALES  SWEEP  THROUGH  THE  SHALLOWS  AND  RELEASE  THEIR  SPERM  IN  VAST  MILKY  CLOUDS.

THE  FEMALES  FOLLOW  COVERING  THE  SEA  BEDS  WITH  EGGS.

JUST  SUCH  A  CONCENTRATION  OF  FISH  IS  WHAT  THE  SEA-LIONS  HAVE  BEEN  WAITING  FOR [HAVE  THEY  BEEN  WAITING  ALL  THROUGH  THE  ICE-AGE?  OF  COURSE  NOT,  THEY  WOULD  HAVE  DIED  OUT  FOR  LACK  OF  FOOD.  IF  THEY  WERE  SURVIVING  NICELY  THANK  YOU,  IN  ANOTHER  PART  OF  THE  WORLD  AWAY  FROM  THE  ICE-AGE  OF  THE  NORTHERN  HEMISPHERE,  WHY  BOTHER  TO  COME  TO  ALASKA?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  MIGRATE  TO  ALASKA?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  FISH  WOULD  BE  THERE  BUT  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR?  WAS  EVOLUTION  JUST  PROVING  “THE  SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITEST”?  GIVE  ME  A  BREAK  -  Keith Hunt]

THE  HERRING  WON’T  BE  HERE  LONG;  THE  SEA-LIONS  MUST  MAKE  THE  MOST  OF  IT  ALL  WHILE  IT  LASTS.

OTHER  PREDATORS  GATHER  ALSO—— AFTER  THE  LEAN  WINTER—— THE  SEA-GULS!  [BUT  IF  THE  SEA-GULS  HAVE  BEEN  EATING  AND  SURVIVING  ELSEWHERE  AWAY  FROM  THE  ICE-AGE,  WHY  BOTHER  FLYING  ALL  THE  WAY  UP  TO  THE  ALASKA  EAST  COAST?  Keith Hunt]

THIS  BOUNTY  IS  A  MAGNET  FOR  MIGRATING  BIRDS.  THIS  IS  JUST  THE  FIRST  COURSE  IN  THE  GREAT  FEAST! [BUT  IF  THE  ICE-AGE  HAD  BEEN  AROUND  FOR  A  THOUSAND  YEARS  OR  MORE,  AND  BIRDS  HAD  BEEN  EATING  JUST  FINE  AWAY  FROM  IT  ALL,  WHY  BOTHER  FLYING  ALL  THE  WAY  UP  TO  ALASKA  WHEN  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  GONE.  HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW  THERE  WOULD  BE  FISH  FOOD  UP  THERE  IN  THE  ALASKA  FJORDS?  HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW  WHERE  ALASKA  WAS?  Keith Hunt]

THE  HERRING  BREEDING  WILL  BE  OVER  IN  A  MATTER  OF  DAYS,  AND  THE  SHOELS  OF  FISH  WILL  SCATTER  ALONG  THE  COAST.  THE  HERRING  HAVING  SPORNED  ON  AN  ASTONISHING  SCALE,  TURN  HUNDREDS  OF  MILES  OF  COASTLINE  WHITE.  IN  THIS  ONE  BAY  ALONE  THEY  HAVE  LAID  800  BILLION  EGGS.

THE  HERRING’S  SPORNING  IS  SO  TIMED  THAT  WHEN  THE  NEXT  GENERATION  HACHES  IN  A  FEW  WEEKS,  THEY  WILL  BE  ABLE  TO  FEED  ON  THE  GROWING  PLANKTON. 

[NOW  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  DO  ALL  THIS,  JUST  AT  THE  RIGHT  TIME?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER  AND  PLANKTON  WOULD  BE  COMING?  IF  THEY  HAD  DONE  ALL  THIS  AWAY  FROM  THE  ICE-AGE,  WHY  WOULD  THEY  BOTHER  TO  GO  TO  ALASKA  AFTER  THE  ICE-AGE?  DOES  EVOLUTION  TALK  TO  ITSELF?  DOES  IT  HAVE  A  MIND  THAT  CAN  TELL  ITSELF  TO  GO  THOUSANDS  OF  MILES  TO  DO  WHAT  IT  HAS  DONE  IN  ANOTHER  PLACE,  FOR  MAYBE  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS,  AND  DO  IT  IN  THIS  SPECIFIC  NEW  PLACE?  Keith Hunt]

THIS  YEAR  THE  HERRING  APPEAR  TO  HAVE  TIMED  IT  JUST  RIGHT.  THE  TINY  PLANKTON  THAT  IS  BEHIND  THE  SEAS  TRANSFORMATION  ARE  STARTING  TO  BLOOM.

GREAT  SWATHES  OF  SEA  ARE  GREEN  WITH  LIFE!

THE  HUMP-BACKS ARE STILL  OUT  IN  THE  MIDDLE  OF  THE  PACIFIC.  THEY’VE  MISSED  THE  FIRST  TASTE  OF  THE  GREAT  FEAST.

AT  JUST  8  WEEKS  OLD  THE  YOUNG  CALF  MUST  CROSS  THE  BIGGEST  OCEAN  IN  THE  WORLD.  THE  MOTHER  WILL  ONLY  SWIM  AS  FAST  AS  HER  YOUNG  CALF.  AS  HE  TIRES  SHE  SUPPORTS  HIM  FROM   BENEATH.

[YOU  TALK  ABOUT  EVOLUTION  PLAYING  HARD  TO  GET  AND  REALLY  PROVING  “THE  SURVIVAL  OF  THE  FITEST”;  THIS  MOM  AND  CALF  ARE  IN  THE  GAME  OF  LIFE  AND  DEATH,  AND  THAT  EACH  YEAR.  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THEY  HAD  TO  GO  TO  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA,  THREE  THOUSAND  MILES  AWAY,  FOR  FOOD,  AND  AT  THE  RIGHT  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR  FOR  ALASKA?WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  TELL  THESE  WHALES  TO  BREED  IN  HAWAII  WATERS  WHERE  THERE  WAS  NO  FOOD?  Keith Hunt]

SHE’S  BEEN  LIVING  OFF  OF  HER  FAT  RESERVES  FOR  THE  PAST  6  MONTHS.  AND  HAS  LOST  A  THIRD  OF  HER  BODY  WEIGHT.  SHE  IS  CLOSE  TO  STARVING!

IT  WILL  BE  ANOTHER  2  MONTHS  BEFORE  MOTHER  AND  SON  WILL  REACH  THE  FEEDING  GROUNDS  IN  THE  NORTH  PACIFIC.

IT’S  MAY  AND  SUMMER  IN  ALASKA,  AND  THE  DAYS  ARE  GETTING  EVER  LONGER.

THE  SUN  CONTINUES  TO  FUEL  THE  MICROSCOPIC  PLANTS  THAT  MAKE  UP  THE  PLANKTON  BLOOM.

THEY  ARE  JOINED  BY  A  TINY  COMMUNITY  OF  ANIMALS,  ZOWER  PLANKTON.  THESE  ARE  THE  FIRST  CREATURES  TO  FEED  ON  THE  BLOOM.

IN  THE  COMING  MONTHS  THEY  CROWD  THE  OCEAN  WATERS  IN  THEIR  TRILLIONS.

THE  NEXT  STAGE  OF  THE  FEAST  IS  UNDERWAY!

[WHO  TOLD  THE  FISH,  THE  SEA-LIONS,  THE  BIRDS,  THE  WHALES  IN  HAWAII,  THAT  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER,  AND  FOOD  COULD  BE  HAD,  BUT  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR  IN  ALASKA - Keith Hunt]

ALL  LIFE  HERE  DEPENDS  ON  THE  PLANKTON  BLOOM.

THE  HERRING  FEED  ON  IT  DIRECTLY;  THE  GREATER  THE  BLOOM  THE  MORE  ABUNDANT  THE  SHOELS.

AND  THE  FISH  THEMSELVES  BECOME  FOOD  FOR  THE  LARGER  HUNTERS.

[IF  THEY  WERE  EATING  AND  SURVIVING  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  DURING  THE  THOUSAND  YEAR  OR  SO  AGE  OF  THIS  MINI-ICE-AGE ,  WHY  DID  THEY  SWIM  OFF  OR  FLY  OFF  TO  WAY  UP  ALASKA  WAY  FOR  FOOD?  Keith Hunt]

BUT  THE  SHOELS  OF  HERRING  ARE  SPREAD  LARGE  AND  WIDE.  SO  FOR  THE  SEA-LIONS  THE  FEEDING  IS  TOUGH;  THEY  MUST  VENTURE  FURTHER   TO  FIND  IT.  BUT  OPEN  WATER  IS  A  RISKY  PLACE  TO  FISH.

THIS  MALE  SEA-LION  HUNTS  ALONE;  HE  IS  10  FEET  LONG  AND  OVER  2  THOUSAND  POUNDS  IN  WEIGHT;  FEW  WOULD  DARE  TACKLE  HIM.

THE  SMALL  FEMALES  TRAVEL  AS  A  GROUP;  KEEPING  A  WATCHFUL  EYE  ON  ALL  DIRECTIONS.  THEY  KNOW  THAT  KILLERS  LIRK  IN  THE  DEPTH—— KILLER  WHALES!

THE  RICHEST  SEAS  ON  EARTH  CAN  BE  DANGEROUS!

THE  VAST  MAJORITY  OF  SEA-LIONS  ARE  NOT  AFFECTED  BY  KILLER-WHALES—— THE  ORKA.

[ONCE  MORE  WHY  WOULD  EVOLUTION  TALK  TO  ITSELF  AND  DECIDE  TO  PUT  FOOD  WAY  UP  NORTH,  AND  DECIDE  TO  HAVE  BIRDS,  SEA-LIONS,  FISH,  WHALES,  GO  THERE,  WHEN  DURING  THE  SUPPOSED  ICE-AGE  THEY  WERE  ALL  DOING  JUST  FINE  LIVING  AND  EATING  SOMEWHERE  ELSE?   Keith Hunt]

IT’S  NOW  LATE  MAY— THE  SUNLIGHT  LAST  FOR  17  HOURS  A  DAY;  BUT  THE  BLOOM  WILL  NEED  MORE  THAN  SUN  IF  IT’S  TO  REACH  ITS  FULL  EXTENT.

NUTRIENTS  IN  THESE  WATERS  ARE  CONTINUALLY  USED  UP;  IF  USED  UP  TOO  SOON  THE  PLANKTON  WILL  DIE  AND  THE  FOOD  CHAIN  WILL  COLLAPSE.  THE  AFFECTS  WILL  BE  FELT  BY  ALL [SO  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  BOTHER  AT  ALL  WITH  THIS  RISKY  BUSINESS;  ALL  WERE  OBVIOUSLY  DOING  FINE  ELSEWHERE  AWAY  FROM  THE  MINI  ICE-AGE  COVERING  MUCH  OF  THE  NORTHERN  HEMISPHERE?   Keith Hunt]

MEANWHILE  IN  THE  SEA-LION  COLONY  NEW  LIFE  IS  NOW  ARRIVING;  AFTER  A  YEAR  OF  CARRYING  HER  PUP  THIS  MOTHER  CAN  AT  LAST  GIVE  BIRTH.  THE  PUP  IS  UTTERLY  DEPENDANT  ON  HIS  MOM,  AS  HE  MAKES  SENSE  OF  THIS  NEW  WORLD.  SHE  ENCOURAGES  HIM  TO  TAKE  HIS  FIRST  FEED.  THE  MOTHER  HAS  WAITED  TILL  SUMMER  TO  HAVE  HER  BABY,  SUCH  A  SMALL  PUP  COULD  NEVER  SURVIVE  THE  WINTER.  ALONG  THIS  COAST  THOUSANDS  OF  PUPS  ARE  BORN,  TO  SURVIVE  THE  BETTER  CONDITIONS  THAT  LIE  AHEAD [DURING  THIS  MINI  ICE-AGE  SEA-LIONS  WERE  SOMEWHERE  ELSE,  BREEDING  AND  FEEDING  AND  LIVING  VERY  NICELY  THANK  YOU;  WHY  WOULD  EVOLUTION  TELL  THESE  SEA-LIONS  TO  MOVE  AWAY  AND  GO  TO  ALASKA,  TO  BREED  AND  LIVE,  UNDER  RISKY  CONDITIONS?  DOES  EVOLUTION  HAVE  A  BRAIN?  CAN  IT  REASON  WITH  ITSELF?  IF  SO  THEN  ITS  BRAINY  REASONING  AIN’T  SO  BRAINY - Keith Hunt]

THE  HUMP-BACKS  ARE  STILL  WEEKS  AWAY  FROM  ALASKA  AND  THEIR  FIRST  MEAL.  IN  THESE  TURBULENT  SEAS  THE  MOTHER  AND  CALF  MUST  STAY  CLOSE.

A  HUGE  PACIFIC  STORM  IS  BRUING  AND  HEADING  STRAIGHT  FOR  THE  COAST  OF  BRITISH  COLUMBIA.

DIRECTLY  IN  ITS  PATH  LIES  THE  SEA-LION  NURSERY.

THE  PUPS  ARE  NOW  AT  THE  MERCY  OF  THE  ELEMENTS.

THE  MOTHERS  MUST  GET  THEIR  YOUNG  TO  HIGHER  GROUND  IF  THEY  CAN  FIND  IT.

IN  DESPERATION  SHE  TRIES  TO  DRAG  HER  PUP  AWAY  FROM  THE  GATHERING  TEMPEST.  A  PUP  SWEPT  INTO  THE  WATER  IS  UNLIKELY  TO  BE  SEEN  AGAIN.

AS  THE  SEAS  BEGIN  TO  SUBSIDE  MANY  HAVE  STAYED  ALIVE.  BUT  OTHERS  HAVE  NOT.

THERE’S  NOTHING  THIS  MOTHER  COULD  HAVE  DONE  TO  SAVE  HER  PUP.  SHE  GRIEVES  OVER  THE  DEAD  BODY.

THESE  MIGHTY  STORMS  THOUGH  DEVASTATING  FOR  SOME,  BRING  GREAT  LIFE  TO  THE  GREAT  FEAST.

[AGAIN  IF  ALL  SEA-LIONS  AND  OTHERS  WERE  SURVIVING  WELL  AWAY  FROM  THIS  MINI-ICE-AGE,  WHY  DID  SOME  SWIM  ALL  THE  WAY  UP  TO  ALASKA,  OR  MIGRATE  THERE  FOR  FOOD?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THERE  WAS  FOOD  UP  THERE?  HOW  DID  THEY  FIGURE  WHEN  TO  GIVE  BIRTH  THERE?  AND  WHY  DID  OTHERS  COME  FROM  THOUSANDS  OF  MILES  TO  FEED  THERE.  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THERE  WAS  FOOD  FOR  THEM  BUT  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR?  Keith Hunt]

WHEN  THESE  STORMS  HIT  COAST  WATERS  THEY  STIR  UP  VITAL  NUTRIENTS  INTO  THE  SURFACE  WATERS,  NUTRIENTS  THAT  FEED  THE  PLANKTON.

REPLENISHED  SEAS  COMBINED  WITH  LENGTHENING  DAYS,  CREATE  A  PLANKTON  EXPLOSION.

THIS  COMES  JUST  IN  TIME  FOR  THOSE  AT  THE  END  OF  AN  INCREDIBLE  JOURNEY.

THE  HUMP-BACKS  HAVE  ARRIVED!

AFTER  3  THOUSAND  MILES,  MOTHER  AND  CALF  HAVE  FINALLY  MADE  IT  TO  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA!

THEY  JOIN  OTHER  WHALES  THAT  HAVE  MADE  THE  LONG  JOURNEY,  BUT  THEIR  JOURNEY  IS  NOT  OVER,  FOR  THEY  HAVE  YET  TO  FEED.

THEY’RE  HEADING  FOR  A  PARTICULAR  STRETCH  OF  THE  COAST,  DEEP  IN  THE  CHANNELS,  WHERE  THEY  KNOW  THEY  CAN  FIND  THE  GREAT  SHOELS  OF  HERRING [HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW?  WHO  TOLD  THEM?  THEY  WERE  OBVIOUSLY  EATING  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  WHILE  THE  MINI-ICE-AGE  WAS  THERE,  SO  WHY  AND  HOW  DID  THEY  FIGURE  FOOD  WAS  WAY  UP  ON  THE  COAST  OF  ALASKA?  Keith Hunt]

IT’S  TO  THESE  ANCIENT  GROUNDS  THE  MOTHER  NOW  GUIDES  HER  NEW  CALF.

THE  UNIQUE  GEOGRAPHY  OF  THIS  COAST  LINE  HOLDS  THE  FINAL  SECRET  TO  THE  GREAT  EVENT.  GLACIERS  HAVE  CUT  INLETS  AND  ISLAND  OVER  10s  OF  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS [ACCORDING  TO  THE  TEACHING  THIS  MINI-ICE-AGE  WAS  THOUSANDS  OF  YEARS  IN  DURATION.  SO  THESE  HUMP-BACK  WHALES  FROM  HAWAII  WENT  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  TO  FEED (AND  WHY  DID  EVOLUTION  HAVE  THEM  BREEDING  IN  HAWAII  WHERE  THERE  IS  NO  FOOD  FOR  THEM?),  WHY  AND  HOW  DID  THEY  CHANGE  THEIR  PATTERN,  TO  DO  A  RISKY  THING  WITH  THEIR  CALF,  WHERE  BOTH  COULD  HAVE  DIED  IF  MISCALCULATED,  AND  HOW  DID  THEY  KNOW  THE  MINI-ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  Keith Hunt]

THIS  PATCH-WORK  CREATES  LABYRINTHS,  BRINGING  TIDAL  CURRANTS  FLOWING,  BRINGING  UP  VITAL  INGREDIENTS  FROM  THE  BLOOMING.

IT  IS  LIKE  A  FERTILIZER  BEING  ADDED  TO  THE  WATER.

IN  OTHER  SEAS  THE  PLANKTON  WOULD  BE  SUBSIDING  BY  NOW,  BUT  HERE  THE  SEAS  ARE  BEING  VEGETATED,  SO  THE  PLANKTON  BLOOM  TIME  AND  AGAIN  THROUGHOUT  THE  SUMMER.    

AND  WITH  THE  SUN  AT  ITS  MOST  POWER,  ALL  THIS  CREATES  A  PLANKTON  BLOOM  OF  GREAT  INTENSITY.

IN  JULY  THE  OCEAN  IS  ALIVE!

THIS  FLOATING  COMMUNITY  OF  PLANTS  AND  ANIMALS  IS  THE  BASIS  FOR  ALL  LIFE  HERE,  AND  A  BLOOM  OF  THIS  INTENSITY  BRINGS  A  TRULY  GREAT  FEAST!

THIS  FEAST  BEGINS  WITH  MILLIONS  OF  TINY  MOUTHS,  BARNACLES  SIFT  PLANKTON  BROUGHT  IN  ON  THE  FLOW  OF  THE  SEA.  THESE  PLANTS  ARE  GIANTS.  THEY  GROW  LARGER  HERE  THAN  ANYWHERE  ELSE  IN  THE  WORLD.

JELLY  FISH  GATHER  FORMING  GREAT  SWORMS.  THEY  ALSO  EAT  THE  PLANKTON,  RISING  TO  THE  SURFACE  WHERE  EATING  IS  MOST  ABUNDANT.   

BY  LATE  SUMMER  THE  PLANKTON  BLOOM  IS  SO  VAST  IT  RADIATES  ACROSS   THE  NORTH  PACIFIC.

BLOOMS  LIKE  THESE  PROVIDE  HALF  OF  THE  EARTHS  OXYGEN.  THIS  BLOOM  ECLIPSES  THE  AMAZON  JUNGLE  IN  QUANTITY  OF  ANIMAL  LIFE.  AND  IT  IS  MOST  INTENSE  WHERE  THE  OCEAN  STREAMS  THROUGH  THE  COASTAL  WATERWAYS. 

THE  SHOELS  OF  HERRING  ARE  NOW  AT  THEIR  MOST  PLENTIFUL.

AFTER  FEEDING  THEMSELVES  THROUGH  THE  SUMMER  MONTHS,  THE  FISH  ARE  A  GOOD  CATCH.  THE  MAIN  TARGET  FOR  PREDATORS  NOW  GATHERING  HERE.

AFTER  ENDURING  THE  WINTER  THE  SEA-LIONS  CAN  NOW  HAVE  THE  BOUNTY  THEY  HAVE  BEEN  WAITING  FOR.

BY  KEEPING  TOGETHER  THEY  DRIVE  THE  HERRING  TO  THE  SURFACE.  THEN  WITH  MEMORIZING  GRACE  THEY  PICK  OFF  THE  FISH  ONE  BY  ONE.

FOR  A  FEW  SHORT  WEEKS  THEY’LL  HAVE  THEIR  SHARE  OF  THE  GREAT  FEAST.

OTHERS  ARRIVE  TO  FEAST  IN  THE  COASTAL  WATERWAYS.

PACIFIC  WHITE-SIDED  DOLPHINS.

THEY  DART  IN  AND  SNATCH  FISH  AS  THEY  GO.

TIDAL  FLOWS  NOW  SWEAP  HERRING  UP  TO  THE  SURFACE.

HERE  THEY  ARE  WITHIN  DIVING  RANGE  OF  SEABIRDS.  MERVES  CAN  DIVE  WAY  DOWN  BUT  OTHERS  LIKE  THE  SEA-GULS  ONLY  ABOUT  3  FEET.

THE  SHOELS  TWIST  AND  TURN  TRYING  TO  EVADE  THE  SURFACE  DANGERS.

MERVE  BIRDS  CAN  SWIM  SO  FAST  THEY  CAN  OUT-SWIM  THE  HERRING.

THEY  MAKE  THE  SHOEL  TURN  IN  ON  ITSELF,  MAKING  A  BATE  BALL.

THE  MERVES  CORRAL  THE  HERRING  INTO  AN  EVEN  TIGHTER  BALL.

SEA-GULS  ARE  THERE  BY  THE  HUNDREDS..  THE  MERVES  PUSH  THE  HERRING  UP  TO  THE  SURFACE—— IT’S  FEEDING  FRENZY.

THEN….THE  TABLE  IS  SET  FOR  THE  MIGHTIEST  PREDATOR  OF  ALL—— THE  HUMPBACK  WHALE.

AFTER  6  MONTHS  WITH  NOTHING  TO  EAT  THE  HUMPBACKS  CAN  BREAK  THEIR  FAST.

THE  WHALES  HAVE  LEARNT  TO  TAGET  THESE  BALLS  OF  FISH.

THEY’LL  NEED  MORE  THAN  A  MOUTHFUL;  NOW  WITH  THE  FEAST  IN  FULL  SWING  THIS  IS  THEIR  CHANCE!

TO  EXPLORE  THE  HERRING  IN  DEEPER  WATER  THEY  RELY  ON  TEAM-WORK;  FOR  THESE  WHALES  HAVE  DEVELOPED  A  TRULY  REMARKABLE  WAY  OF  HUNTING.

THEY  DANCE  TO  THE  SOUND  OF  A  MYSTERIOUS  ECHO  SONG.  AIR  BUBBLES  AND  A  CALL,  HAVE  GIVEN  THEM  AN  INGENIOUS  WAY  OF  FISHING.

THIS  IS  BUBBLE  NET  FEEDING!

A  DOZEN  WHALES  WORK  TOGETHER  TO  HARVEST  A  FEEDING  BONANZA.

SUCH  FISHING  REQUIRES  AN  INTELLIGENT  MIND  AND  ALSO  CO-OPERATION.

THE  LEAD  WHALE  DIVES  FIRST;  SHE  IS  THE  BUBBLE  BLOWER.  IT’S  HER  JOB  TO  FIND  THE  FISH.  THE  REST  FOLLOW  IN  FORMATION,  EACH  TAKES  EXACTLY  THE  SAME  POSITION  IN  EVERY  LUNGE.

ONCE  SHE  HAS  LOCATED  THE  FISH,  SHE  BLOWS  THE  BUBBLES  THAT  ENCIRCLE  THE  SHOEL.

OTHER  WHALES  CALLS  TO  SYNCHRONIZE  THE  GROUP.

BLINDED  BY  THE  BUBBLES  AND  THE  HAUNTING  CALLS,  THE  FISH  WILL  NOT  CROSS  THE  WALLS  OF  BUBBLES.

FEW  HUMPBACK  FISH  LIKE  A  TEAM  IN  THIS  WAY.

IT’S  THE  ONLY  PLACE  ON  THE  PLANET  WHERE  WHALES  FISH  THIS  WAY!

[AND  WE  ARE  SUPPOSED  TO  BELIEVE  EVOLUTION  TAUGHT  THEM  TO  DO  ALL  THIS?  WE  ARE  TO  BELIEVE  EVOLUTION  HAD  THEM  COME  TO  HAWAII  TO  BREED  AND  HAVE  NO  FOOD  THERE.  THEN  WE  ARE  TO  BELIEVE  EVOLUTION  TAUGHT  THEM  THE  MINI-ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER; FOOD  WAS  3  THOUSAND  MILES  AWAY  UP  IN  ALASKA,  BUT  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR.  THEN  WE  ARE  TO  BELIEVE  EVOLUTION  HAD  THEM  SWIM  WITH  THEIR  CALF  3  THOUSAND  MILES,  ARRIVING  AT  THE  CORRECT  TIME   TO  BE  ABLE  TO  EAT  THE  HERRING.   GIVE  ME  A  BREAK  -  Keith Hunt]

AT  THE  HEIGHT  OF  THE  SUMMER  THESE  HUMPBACKS  FISH  THIS  WAY  AROUND  THE  CLOCK,  EATING  A  THOUSAND  POUND  OF  HERRING  A  DAY.

ONLY  MAN  HAS  LEARNT  TO  EXPLOIT  THE  SEA  ON  A  GREATER  SCALE.

AS  THE  SUMMER  ENDS  THE  FEAST  DRAWS  TO  A  CLOSE.

THE  SUN  IS  WEAKENING  AND  WITH  IT  THE  PLANKTON  BLOOM.  THE  MICROSCOPIC  PLANTS  THAT  BROUGHT  LIFE  TO  THESE  SEAS  BEGIN  TO  DIE.  THE  HERRING  DESCEND  TO  SPEND  THE  WINTER  IN  THE  DEPTHS.

LIFE  FOR  THE  SEA-LION  WILL  BE  HARDER  ONCE  AGAIN.  BUT  THEY  FED  WELL  ENOUGH  TO  FACE  THE  DARK  DAYS  AHEAD.

[WHY  DID  THEY  GO  THERE  TO  BEGIN  WITH?  WHILE  THE  MINI-ICE-AGE  WAS  ON,  THEY  WERE  SOMEWHERE  ELSE  TO  FEED  AND  BREED;  WHY  DID  THEY  EVER  MOVE  TO  ALASKA;  AND  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THERE  WOULD  BE  AN  ABUNDANCE  OF  FISH,  BUT  ONLY  AT  A  CERTAIN  TIME  OF  THE  YEAR?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  STAY  THERE  AS  A  WAY  OF  LIFE,  AND  RAISE  PUPS  IN  A  DANGEROUS  PLACE?  Keith Hunt]

THE  HUMPBACK  WHALES  WILL  SOON  LEAVE  THESE  SHORES.  IT’S  ASTONISHING  TO  REALIZE  SOME  OF  THE  WORLD’S  MIGHTIEST  CREATURES  RELY  ON  SOME  OF  THE  TINIEST.

[YA,  AND  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  UNDERTAKE  THE  WAY  OF  LIFE  THEY  LIVE  TODAY?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  THE  ICE-AGE  WAS  OVER?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  BREED  IN  HAWAII,  WHERE  THERE  WAS  NO  FOOD?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  SWIM  3  THOUSAND  MILES  WITH  THEIR  CALF,  TO  THE  WATERS  OF  ALASKA?  WHO  TOLD  THEM  TO  DEVISE  A  GREAT  WAY  TO  HUNT  THE  HERRING,  THAT  NO  OTHER  HUMPBACKS  OR  KILLER  WHALES  DO  ANYWHERE?  Keith Hunt]

HERE  ON  THE  NORTH  WEST  COAST  THE  INTERPLAY  BETWEEN  LAND,  SEA,  AND  THE  SUN,  HAS  PRODUCED  A  BLOOM  OF  PLANKTON  SO  EMENSE,  IT  MAKES  IT  ONE  OF  THE  GREAT  EVENTS  ON  EARTH.

…………………

THERE  WAS  NO  MINI-ICE-AGE!

THE  HUMPBACK  WHALE  OF  HAWAII  TO  ALASKA;  THE  SEA-LIONS  OF  THAT  COAST  OF  ALASKA;  THE  MIGRATING  KILLER  WHALES,  THE  MIGRATING  BIRDS  TO  THAT  AREA,  HAVE  BEEN  DOING  THAT  LIFE-STYLE  FROM  THE  BEGINNING  OF  GENESIS  ONE.

THE  ETERNAL  GOD  TOLD  THOSE  CREATURES  TO  LIVE  THAT  WAY;  THEY  HAVE  BEEN  DOING  IT  FROM  THE  BEGINNING!

GOD  HAS  PROMISED   THAT  THE  SEASONS  OF  THE  YEAR  WOULD  NEVER  FAIL—— “WHILE  THE  EARTH  REMAINS,  SEEDTIME  AND  HARVEST,  COLD  AND  HEAT,  AND  SUMMER  AND  WINTER,  AND  DAY  AND  NIGHT  SHALL  NOT  CEASE” [GENESIS 8: 22].

DAY  AND  NIGHT  HAS  CONTINUED  TO  THIS  VERY  21ST  CENTURY.

SUMMER  AND  WINTER,  COLD  AND  HEAT,  SEEDTIME  AND  HARVEST,  HAS  ALSO  CONTINUED,  AND  WILL  WHILE  THIS  EARTH  OF  MANKIND  IS  ON  IT.

CLIMATE  CHANGE  IS  HAPPENING,  BUT  IT  WILL  NOT  AFFECT  GENESIS  8: 22.  THAT  PROMISE  FROM  GOD  WILL  ALWAYS  BE  TRUE  AND  REAL.

THERE  NEVER  WAS  A  SO-CALLED  MINI-ICE-AGE  AS  EVOLUTIONISTS  WOULD  LIKE  YOU  TO  BELIEVE.

THERE  NEVER  WAS  A  TIME  WHEN  ABOUT  HALF  THE  PLANET  WAS  UNDER  A  THOUSAND  OR  MORE  YEARS  OF  PERPETUAL  FROZEN  CLIMATE,  A  SO-CALLED  MINI-ICE-AGE.

THE  CREATURES  OF  EARTH  LIVE  AND  DO  WHAT  THEY  DO  BECAUSE  GOD  CREATED  THEM  TO  DO  WHAT  THEY  DO,  FROM  THE  VERY  BEGINNING.

THE  SO-CALLED  MINI-ICE-AGE  IS  A  THEORY  THAT  HAS  COME  FROM  PLANET  PLUTO,  INTO  THE  DARKENED  MINDS  OF  THOSE  WHO  REJECT  THE  INSPIRATION  OF  THE  HOLY  BIBLE.

Keith Hunt