The Rain Fell and the Whales Breached

We were thrilled to have two tours today each filled with guests who came with adventurous spirits. We were once again grateful for our boats canopy but this time it wasn’t the scorching sun it protected us from, it was the gentle rain that pitter-pattered most of the afternoon.

We were blessed with dynamic encounters with Humpbacks on both of our tours. It is breathtaking to witness this 30 ton/45ft long animal leap clear out of the water. Imagine the power of its fluke to lift that heavy mass, and to hear the thunderous sound as it makes contact with the surface of the sea. At times we had a great viewing of their uniquely shaped pectoral fin as it stood erect out of the water, waving and slapping, perhaps stunning the fish in its vicinity or maybe it was just for fun.

In the still air and low visibility, all the sounds from wildlife seemed amplified. The cry of the Rhinoceros Auklet broke the silence as we drifted, awaiting for the Humpbacks to surface and let out its breath. The calmness enabled us to view Dall’s porpoise easily, and like the Orca, their black and white colouration was stunning against the backdrop of mist and grey.

During our morning tour when it was low tide, our skipper decided to cruise close along the shore. This approach paid off because not only did we see a single black bear, we also observed a mum with two cubs. They were busily foraging on all the crustaceans that were exposed by low water and a simple turning over of rocks and boulders gave access to this intertidal buffet.

How wonderful it was to know the rain was soothing the dryness of the land, perhaps giving life to the coastal forest and filling up the rivers and streams our salmon require to spawn.

Despite the rain the wildlife was abundant and the scenery took our breath away. There is nothing quite like the fog and mist that dances and drifts amongst the trees making for a beautifully classic Pacific Northwest scene.