Sunday, September 2

On the morning trip, we headed towards Lime Kiln State Park on San Juan Island where we found J-pod foraging near the shoreline. For the first part of the trip, we spent some time with the J16 matriline. We watched a gull looking for scraps from the hunting orcas. Some of the orcas were definitely in a fun-loving mood, as we noticed some spyhops and breaches near the shoreline. Percussive behaviour (including fluke slapping and pectoral slapping) was seen frequently this morning as well. These behaviours most likely serve a communication purpose. The waters this morning were almost eerily still, which only added to the experience. After a nice pass from Mike (J26), we headed back to the harbour.

On our 1 pm Orca Spirit trip, while we travelling to meet J pod near Battleship Island in Haro Strait, Captain Brad noticed a minke whale just south of the Kelp Reef marker. Once we stopped, we were privileged to see several surfacings from the small baleen whale. We even noticed its baleen, evidence that the whale was feeding. It was an amazing minke experience and an excellent way to start a fantastic trip. A short while after we left the minke whale, we encountered J-pod. Our excellent encounter began with some great views of J1 (Ruffles), the spectacular male in J pod. As the trip continued, we had a lovely visit by J42, the very cute young calf of Slick (J16). The whales were in a playful mood. We noticed some pectoral slapping and tail slapping behaviour, and even some distance breaches. Speiden (J8) swam by the boat as well; it was nice to notice the old whale (est. 1933) looking so well. We concluded our time with the whales with a great pass by Blackberry (J27). It was a wonderful afternoon in the amazingly calm waters of the Salish Sea.