An Auspicious Day!

Our departure from Alert Bay in the MV Seasmoke began under most auspicious circumstances - a mariner’s delight! Skies were clear and pale blue with just a few clouds, and a lovely, light northwest breeze was blowing.

After the pickup for additional guests at Alder Bay Resort, the skipper and his passengers cruised into the Pearse group of islands where seals were swimming in the colourful waters of the narrow passage through the islands. Further on, more Harbour seals were sighted in the Stephanson Islands.

Several Bald eagles were sitting in the trees overlooking the Stephansons, and many more of these ever-majestic predator birds were observed in both the Pearse Islands and the Plumper group of islands.

Weynton Passage was a busy place! The swift Dall’s porpoises were all over, wherever the boat travelled, and again in this passage, the characteristic blows of Humpback whales were sighted. The whales seemed to enjoy ‘hanging out’ in the passage, and cruised along in the water, would take shallow dives, then finally, take that last deep dive to show off their mighty flukes. The Humpback is an ancient species of whale, and one of the largest of the baleen whales. They have been on the earth for about 45 million years, and can weigh up to 40 tons!

Beside Orcalab on Hanson Island, 10- 15 large Stellar sea lions were lounging about, enjoying the warm sun on this gorgeous July day. Passengers all agreed that the combination of calm, blue water, clear sunny skies and multiple sightings made this a perfect day on the water.