June 29, 2006

We began the sunny day in search of our Southern Resident Orcas. With no news of the whales location from the other boats or spotting network, our Captain Brad headed towards the west side of San Juan Island. As we approached Lime Kiln Lighthouse we were pleased to come across a feeding group of orcas. After identifying a few mature males, Mega (L41) and Hugo (L71), we knew we were with L-Pod. We enjoyed several great viewings as the whales moved past the boat while feeding on the many salmon.

On our afternoon tour we were pleased to find that L-Pod had not moved. On arrival, L-Pod was spread out in many small groups. Each group appeared to be doing different activities. A few mothers and calves were seen breaching; while a group of spouting juvenile males were caught displaying themselves by slapping their pectoral flippers and tail flukes. By the end of our tour the whales grouped together, changed directions and began heading south.

While we enjoyed the setting sun and calm waters we headed to southern San Juan Island. We were delighted to hear that L-Pod had met up with J-Pod at the southern most tip of Rosario Strait. By the time we caught up with them we were even more elated to see that mot only were L-Pod and J-Pod together, but K-Pod too had joined the action. We then spent the next 45 minutes looking all around the boat at the several groups displaying their excitement of all being together. Another great day on the water!