Around the Bluhmin’ Town
By
Judy Bluhm
He’s back at it again. The summer vacationing, boat-loving, 1700-pound walrus who is thought to be from waters north of Norway, is once again taking a 2500 relaxing journey down the coasts of Ireland, England, Wales, France and Spain. Perfect time to enjoy warm weather and sink a few boats.
Oh Wally, Walrus extraordinaire, give it a rest! Oops, I meant to say, please rest a while on one of our floating sofas. You know, the nice, soft but sturdy, flotation platforms that the British Divers Marine Life Rescue built for you so that you might nap in comfort. You have been sinking a few boats lately, with your blubbery body as you hoist yourself onto small vessels, to take a snooze. We get it. No icebergs available, so why not find a convenient schooner. Except they are not made to withstand your lift, heave and plop routine.
People (especially boat owners and insurance companies) get mad when their boats docked in a safe harbor are sunk by a sleepy walrus. Wally’s story is that he evidently was happily floating along on an Artic iceberg and found himself in warmer waters. The iceberg melted. No worries, this is not the first time a massive walrus (not sure if it is the same one) has been seen in waters where they do not really belong. So, why not enjoy life? With no other walruses around, and a lack of floating ice blocks, Wally had to become very resourceful.
Various “Wally floating platforms” were set up so that Wally could relax. He has taken to his “sofas” and is leaving small boats alone. Yes, Wally is floating quietly in the coastal waters, giving tourists a good laugh. He has become an attraction. Unlike the little sassy surfing otter off the coast of Santa Cruz, California who has been called a “menace.” The local surfers are mad because she likes to grab their surf boards and take off with them. This has been going on since 2023.
Otter 841, named so by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, was released to the ocean after being rescued as a pup. Seems the spunky otter got the idea that humans are fun, have cool surfboards, and these boards can be easily “stolen.” The surfers do not find this funny when their beloved (and expensive) longboards are being hijacked by a sea otter! Those boards are grabbed by the otter who swims off and then discards them, so they sink to the ocean floor.
The authorities are looking for Otter 841, to help “rehome” her to a safer environment. She is not going along with the program. No Monterey Aquarium life for her, when she can surf till her little hearts content.
Take note, Dear Readers. A walrus and an otter are living their best lives. Wally was last seen floating off the coast of Cornwall, England. The otter was swimming away a few weeks ago with a surfer’s new longboard. What are you doing this summer? Because surfing or sunning on a huge float sounds pretty good. No iceberg required.
Judy Bluhm is a writer and a local realtor. Contact Judy at [email protected] or visit www.arouondthebluhmintown.com.
Whether you have a question about one of my articles, a story you'd like to share, or just want to say hello, you can reach out through this contact form. I'll be happy to hear from you and will do my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments, I would love to hear from you.