September 19, 2006

The day started off full of surprises. We set off in the morning to Race Rocks at word there were some transient killer whales looking for a quick snack in the form of a seal. When we got there we saw several whales all in the synchronized rise and fall, characteristics of sleeping whales. Then when they all rose together there were just too many of them to be a transient pod and finally when we spotted Ruffles and the recently born calf among the large group we realized this was not only the local residents but all three pods together in a “Super pod”! Upon realizing this we followed the super troopers rise and fall from Race Rocks back to Victoria off Trial Island. The methodical rise and fall gave us great glimpses of each whale finger print the saddle patch; this helped us accurately identify many of the whales.

On the afternoon tours the sun decided to peak out from the clouds and shine upon us as we cruised along the west coast of San Juan Island in search of the super pod. It seems that in our lunch break the super pod divided into J and K-Pods together and L-Pod on its own. We followed J and K-Pods for the duration of our trip, dazzled by their renewed energy and acrobatic displays of breaching, porpoising and even the occasional spy-hop. We finished our trip with views of sunbathing Harbour seals and innumerable Seagulls and Cormorants resting on the chain inlets.

For our final tour of the day we headed back to the San Juan Island to see L-Pod. The 45 whales were cruising south along the coast, fishing and playing as they went along. Hugo (L71) and Mega (L41) displayed some excellent fishing skills as they chased salmon around. We saw just how fast and powerful these animals are as a group of 5 porpoised quickly past our boat. We set off for Victoria Harbour into the setting sun and though it was getting chilly some tough souls stuck it our on the top deck to take in the beauty of the area.