The geology of Yosemite is characterized by granitic rocks and remnants of older rock. About 10 million years ago, Sierra Nevada was uplifted and then tilted to form its relatively gentle western slopes and more dramatic eastern slopes. The uplift increased steepness of stream and river beds, resulting in formation of deep, narrow canyons. About 1 million years ago, snow and ice accumulated, forming glaciers at higher alpine meadows that moved down river valleys. Ice thickness in Yosemite Valley may have reached 4,000 feet during early glacial episode. The downslope movement of ice masses cut and sculpted U-shaped valley that attracts so many visitors to its scenic vistas today.

(This information was obtained from National Park Service and is in public domain.)

Today most whale watch boats have sophisticated equipment and communications that help captain find whales. But if a company has been organizing whale watch trips for many years it’s a sign they’re doing something right and a safe bet for you.

My most rewarding trips have been when a naturalist or whale expert has been on board to provide information and narrate tour.

CHECK FOR A WHALE SIGHTING GUARANTEE

Because of very unpredictable nature of whales, they’ll be rare occasions when you just don’t see any. So make sure you book on a cruise that offers a guarantee sighting or you get to cruise again for free.

Offering a guarantee is another good sign of a confident and experienced whale watch company. But remember if they spot one whale and you weren’t watching or somewhere else on boat when they did – tough!

WHALE WATCHING IS DONE ON THE OPEN OCEAN.

Whale watching on open ocean means if you suffer with motion sickness at all then take something about an hour before you board cruise.

Experienced whale watch cruise captains do not go out in rough seas, but it’s not a harbor cruise and whale feeding grounds are usually miles from land. The open sea can be a little choppy even in summer months.

QUICK CHECK OF WHALE WATCHING EQUIPMENT.

Recommended things to bring on your whale watch are a camera and plenty of film or memory cards (if you’re digital). If you’ve got binoculars take them as whales sometimes surface yards from boat, and having binoculars will give you spectacular views and close ups others without them just won’t get.

Wear sneakers or something rubber-soled for good traction on a wet and slippery deck. And take sunscreen, sunglasses, and if it’s got a tie strap – a hat.

Because of breeze and open water there’s usually a 15-degree difference from land out in ocean. So take a sweatshirt or windbreaker just in case, and especially for a late afternoon trip. Also boats will go out in rain and if you’ve got a poncho take it.

The whales are waiting for you. These mesmerizing animals have traveled thousands of miles so you can view them playing and feeding. It’s really biggest show on earth. So go ahead and take adventure - they don’t stay for long.