What A Wonderful Day

We were very fortunate today because just as we were leaving the dock at Alder Bay there was a report of orcas sighted near the Sophia Islands. The islands are in close proximity to the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve but on the opposite side of Johnstone Strait and while we did not have a sunny day and there was dampness in the air, we did not mind at all. 

Our passengers were a happy bunch who hoped to see Orcas and Humpback whales and while they did, they saw so much more for when we arrived in the vicinity of the Sophia's before us was an almighty sight! It was a privilege to see so many orcas 30-35+ swimming from the border of the western boundary of the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve and across Johnstone Strait on the West Cracroft shoreline. They were all spread out in their family groups and we could not ask for any better viewing.

This blog only tells a little, but the images captured in our minds and on our camera will not easily be forgotten. We observed orcas moving slowly, some were resting, others foraging and young calves were playful in their interactions with one another and spy-hopping frequently as young calves often do and made the experience that we shared together heartfelt and wonderful.

Some of the orcas went into Blackfish Sound while others stayed in Johnstone Strait, some foraging in the rip at Cracroft Point where some 8-12 Pacific White-sided dolphins joined them in pesky play.

After leaving the orcas we were on the lookout for large blows and sure enough a Humpback whale was seen. Being far larger than orcas their blows are much taller and rise 3+ metres into the air so they are fairly easy to spot even for the children onboard who have never seen a whale before. 

While our sightings of Cetaceans was abundant we also saw other significant species that included Harbour seals, Dall's porpoises, Stellar Sea lions, Bald Eagles (and their enormous nests), Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, and Gull species. We also had some joyful play with Dall’s porpoises riding at the bow of our boat!

The scenery always shines, even when the sun does not and as we headed back we could not help but notice. The contrasting colours of rocky kelp covered shorelines, dense greenery of trees and small islands separated by tranquil flowing waters gifted us as well today with their stunning beauty.