Blue skies, calm water, and lots to see!
A calm, quiet July morning greeted us today. Not even a breeze was stirring as we headed away from shore. The feeling of the boat moving through the water under us as we passed the rocky shoreline of Vancouver Island caused our anticipation to swell. We all wondered what we would see today!
After meandering through the breathtaking Pearse and Stephenson Islands, viewing kelp forests and harbour seals resting on warm rocks, we headed down Johnstone Strait and were amazed to see several resident orcas (A23s, A25s, A30s, and I35s) in Blackney Passage. What a treat to see orcas with a bright blue sky above us, and flat water with barely a ripple below us!
We also saw our favourite ocean giant, a graceful humpback whale, and a stellar sea lion making its way by us. Another stunning moment was having the opportunity to see a mother eagle feeding its eaglet high up in its treetop nest. Along our way, we saw many birds, including the Common Murre, Red Necked Phalarope, Rhinoceros Auklet, and a Belted Kingfisher.
All in all, an absolutely beautiful day in the Pacfic Northwest!
