Dream Trip 2009

Great Travel Moment

I remember this moment with a smile. On Laysan Island I came upon a rather unlikely conversation between a black-footed albatross and a Hawaiian monk seal. The details remain a mystery as they could have been communicating anything to one another. I watched them interact like an unnoticed fly on the wall. The seal eventually lost interest, although the albatross continued to pester him and disrupt his attempts at sleep. The scene was both comical and remarkable. I am continually inspired by this image of two different species sharing an island home and seemingly contemplating each other in eye contact, exchanging unknown gestures. This image highlights all that we have yet to truly understand about the workings of our magnificent world. If we accept our naivete we may learn so much more.