Saturday, September 15th

As we crossed Haro Strait this morning, we encountered Ruffles (J1) and Granny (J2) foraging near an important feeding area known as Beaumont Shoals. It was a spectacular way to start a great trip, and we even saw the old matriach J2 do a fantastic spyhop! As we continued towards San Juan Island, we encountered the rest of the J2 matriline, including J14 (Samish), J30 (Riptide), J37 (Hy'Shqa) and J40 (Suttles). These four whales were tremendously entertaining to watch and we were treated to a lovely breach. After spending time with a few more whales a little closer to shore, we returned back to Victoria. We stopped briefly at the Chain Islets where we observed the favourite prey of our transient killer whales, harbour seals. It was a wonderful morning on the Salish Sea.

This afternoon we spent time with resident whales near Hein Bank. Both J and L pod were in the area this afternoon, and we ended up spending time with a group of L-pod whales that included a large mature bull killer whale L78 (Gaia). It was a wonderful afternoon spent in the company of orcas, and we were thrilled to see a variety of behaviours including both spyhopping and breaching. Also identified this afternoon (upon examining photos) was L55 and her new calf L109. The sunny skies and calm seas only added to the wonderful wildlife viewing on the Salish Sea.