June 4, 2006

After not hearing any news about possible whale sightings we travelled to the Chain Islets to view the harbour seals and bird life before heading to Iceberg Point to search for orcas. We received a report shortly thereafter that J Pod was southbound in Rosario Strait, and we arrived to meet the whales a short time later near Cattle Point on the south end of San Juan Island. Apparently the whales travelled fast! We were fortunate to see the whales moving together in two large groups, and had great passes from Mike and Ruffles (as well as many others).

This afternoon we travelled to False Bay to meet J-Pod who had been travelling north up the west coast of San Juan. Upon arrival we found that they were heading back south, and they were in a playful mood! We stopped to visit briefly with Ruffles who was foraging alone offshore, and had an amazing pass with the old guy! We than travelled closer to shore to visit with the rest of the pod, where we found the whales exhibiting many spectacular behaviours, including breaching, pectoral slaps and tail slaps. It was a great trip!