Among the Islets, Beneath the Mountains and Ocean all Around

It was another scorcher in Northern Vancouver Island today but the subtle coolness of ocean breeze was a welcoming gift once we set off aboard MV Seasmoke.

A handful of whale watching vessels were out today so the chatter on the radio consisted of a plan to split up and cover every corner in hope of finding Orca. The last report of the resident Killer whales from yesterday had them heading in a Westerly direction, so who is to say what the current and tide will bring in.

On a flat, calm sea we easily made our way into Queen Charlotte Strait, with a vast horizon to scout using binoculars and our ears. We shut down the engines, deployed our underwater microphone and listened with hope of hearing “weeee orrrrr” . It was the loud Humpback blows that broke the silence which could be heard over a mile away. With the stillness of the air, their sound traveled so easily, uninterrupted by the open expanse of ocean.

The Humpbacks foraged and among them birds also were in search for food. There were signs of bait-balls as numerous birds bunched up, flapping and fluttering just above the gurgling sea and pecking at the surface to gain the tasty morsels of small schooling fish.

Among the islets where the current raced through, the seals appeared to be playing. They reminded us of kids playing at a poolside, diving and porpoising, lunging and lounging. The Eagles that were poised on tree tops watched the shenanigans, seeming too dignified for such juvenile play.

It was a glorious afternoon among the islets, beneath the mountains and a stunning blue ocean all around.