July 13, 2006

Although the day started off overcast we headed out on the search for killer whales to brighten it up. Since the west shore of San Juan Island is known for its killer whale feeding grounds we headed straight there. On arrival we were delight to met up with K-Pod. With a very active pod we were please with a great start to the day.

By the afternoon trip we began our tour again off the west shore of San Juan Island at Eagle Point. On arrival we quickly realized we were surrounded by whales. All our local southern residence had come together! We stopped the boat and enjoyed the view of K and L Pods coming in from the north while J-pod was coming in from the south. In a matter of minutes we had dozens of whale within our sight. The whales were as happy to see each other as we were to see them. The whales displayed their pleasure with many breaches, spy hops and even a log roll or two. On the return trip our guest did not believe it could get better until we were joined by swimming Harbour Seals just off the shore of the Great Chain Islands while more basked in the sun on the seaweed covered rocks.

With a full day of entertainment, our crew was energized for an amazing evening trip. We met up with a very active J-Pod just north-east of Turn Point. We enjoyed Ruffles (J1), a fully mature 55 year old male, as he swam circles around our boat allowing even the youngest guest to get great look. We then began to head south-west past Turn Point to encounter L and K-Pods. We were pleased to see 4 breaches, 2 of which were calves, and a mating pair of Orcas. Scooter (K25), just 15 years old was out in all his glory as he mated with a young L-Pod female. The suns rays piercing down through the parting clouds enhanced the energy of the beautiful moment, possibly the best tour of the season thus far.