Why do beached whales die?

Day 2 of the bike run saw us cover 300 miles of Scotland's twistiest but most scenic roads. And we went to John O'Groats too.

The news buzz around the north of Scotland was of the beached whales at Durness and right enough, there they were.

We passed about 7 or 8 still on the beaches and a few lined up along the end being guarded by people in official looking cagoules.

I'll admit to feeling a bit ghoulish stopping to take these pictures, but felt better about myself when I saw the guy letting his kid poke one with a stick...

Why do beached whales die? Well, often because their weight, which in the water is manageable, out of the water is too much for them and they suffocate. Alternatively they simply lie on the beach until the water rises and covers their blowholes. Either way it's sad to see these giants killed by a simple lack of air.

This wil be my entry for this week's WBC.