Tonga Archives | Julie Stephenson

Oct 30

by Julie in Books, Ecological Conservation, Tonga 0 comments

“Where Do They GO”…. Swimming with whales in Tonga – Book for Oceanographic Conservation

I'm so excited to announce an upcoming venture to support oceanographic conservation through the sale of the publication of my new book "Where Do They Go" in both e-book and hard cover print format. You can have a sneak peek of the online Flip book here Click to view my beautiful ONLINE Flipbook

Dec 20

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Video of Whale photos

Nov 02

by Julie in Tonga 1 comments

Trying not to spill my guts…and an amazing privilege…

Under the meandering cover of the Milky Way, with phosphorescence spraying from the hull of the small dingy and an intermittent scanning pass from a headlamp to ensure we didn’t hit any other boats whose own intermittent use of their headlamp was less than ours… I held my stomach ensuring.....

Oct 12

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

“..Say where do you go…” Only forwards… can’t go backwards.

“Say where do you go…” from Roady by Fat Freddy’s Drop is a lyric which grooved through dinner at Mandala Island Resort and accompanies my thoughts now as I reflect and revisit my photos. … So … where do they go?? – Into the mystery of the unknown…. and only forwards… Whales can’t go backwards.... so there's no looking back!!!...

Oct 12

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Another world… Whale swimming in Tonga….

Another world.... in the whales world... we are in their home.... welcomed into their space...

Oct 11

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

How does one swim with whales in Tonga???

"In the water"... "Go" "Go".... gulps of salt water... veils of bubbles enveloping my foggy mask... searching in the endless stripes of blue for a feint hint of white or black....hearing clicks and squeaks of groaning whalesong (absolutely NOTHING like on those relaxation CD's!!!)..then like stealth submarines with effortless propulsion THEY appeared!!! I forgot I had a camera in my hand. After a quick lift-up and dunk ....

Oct 07

by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Silent Flight …. More…. & Swimming with Whales in Tonga

After each series of encounters swimming with various whales, there was a point where I knew and felt content that it was time for us to move on and leave the whales to get on with doing their 'own thing'....or to feel the cooler air and the softer light on my back to return to a little cafe at the pier where the delight of roasted coconut and salty, hand-cut, hot chips accompanied reflections and words which best described the day for each of us.... but secretly did I want more? Throughout the day often ...

Oct 07

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Underwater Photography, Whales in Tonga; Canon G16 Recsea Housing; My Mistake; Lost Opportunities & Learning

Yes... after some absence and time of sporadic and inconsistent posting, I would like to fill you in..

Oct 11

by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Dreams from uncertain depths…..

After a wonderful and profound experience in Tonga on a Whaleswim Adventure... above is a small selection from a series of images inspired by experiences I will cherish always.

Feb 17

by Julie in Inspirations, Tonga, Wisdom and Inspiration 2 comments

“Try and be a piece of paper with nothing on it……

"Try and be a sheet of paper with nothing on it. Be a spot of ground where nothing is growing, where something might be planted, a seed, possibly, from the Absolute." ~ Rumi

Oct 16

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

Markets in Vava’u

Dreamcatcher was still moored off the jetty as our little van meandered

Oct 14

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Flying Whales….

This is so often what I saw. An imaginary world. Freedom.

Oct 14

by Julie in Tonga 0 comments

Pilot whales in Tonga… an exhilarating experience and so much fun!!

In the rough water on a very windy day we spotted the misty spray of the blowing of air from a surfacing Humpback

Oct 13

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

Whale calf wants to play… whaleswim in Tonga continues

... I would like to share some photographs of a magical swim

Oct 10

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 0 comments

……More whales in Tonga

After my epiphany and recognition about being humble

Oct 02

by Julie in Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

A lesson in humility – the whales choose…..

After a couple of wonderful days interacting with the whales; with every time we went into the water I had amazing experiences

Oct 01

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga 1 comments

Swimming with the whales!!! At last!!!

Finally.... a whole life of wishing and dreaming... and FINALLY

Oct 01

by Julie in Earth and Sea, Tonga, Uncategorized 0 comments

Whaleswim adventure to begin!

James met me at the sandy beach and took me to Talau House which was to be my home with 6 other guests for the next 10 days or so. I was greeted by Theresa and was adorned with a frangapani and bouganvillia lei