Sparkling blue waters, sunshine and Humpback Whales

Today was a beautiful day. We could not help but thoroughly enjoy the feeling of warmth as the sunshine streamed down upon us, even while the NW winds tossed up our choppy seas. The playful waves in Blackfish Sound enhanced our experience, along with the ever changing abundance of marine mammal activity. 

There were Harbour seals; mothers and their pups were hauled out whilst some were swimming in the water, all camouflaged amongst the rocky shorelines of the Stephensen Islets. Those in the water bobbed amongst the sparkling bull kelp forests that floated on the flowing water's surface. We saw two Humpback whales travelling in from Bold Head where they joined up with three more. All of them were feeding in turbulent waters flowing around Stubbs Island. 

We viewed Dall's porpoises along the way aswell as Stellar sea lions, all of which added greatly to our adventure. Eagle nests are always a highlight to see, especially when one looks upon an enormous nest, ladened high with tree boughs piled up and gathered over many years by a mated pair of eagles. We were mesmerised by their flight and shrill-like calls. 

And yesterday, although we did not have a tour, Seasmoke encountered Orca, literally right on our doorstep. What a treat it was for so many lucky folk who got to see the Transient orcas who passed so close to shore and right inside 'the Bay' of Alert Bay. They were the T69D's, four orcas in total which included a newborn calf with its yellow/orange coloured tinge to its body. It was exciting for everyone, locals and visitors alike who just happened to be walking and cycling by at the very same time, and those in the Seasmoke Office just happened to look out the office window. 

We live in paradise and how grateful we are.