It Was Heaven!

When we hear a comment like our blog title, ‘it was heaven’ then we know all is going well. Passengers aboard the MV Seasmoke were blessed today with flat, calm waters from the time of their departure from Alert Bay at noon till their return late afternoon. Fluffy clouds reflected in the water, and the sun peaked through intermittently to sparkle on the surface.

Comments were such that even if our guests had not seen any wildlife, they were happy to be out amongst the beautiful islands that cluster in Johnstone Strait off the shores of Vancouver Island and harbour a myriad of life, from giant bull kelp to enormous ‘eagle’ trees. Within the Stephanson group of islands, a large eagle’s nest was seen, and Harbour seals, with their characteristic light grey to shining silver coats displaying dark spots, lounged on rocky islets, unperturbed by human presence while keeping a watchful eye over cute pups. The seals were also spotted swimming in the Pearse group of islands and at Egeria Shoal.

Black and white Dall’s porpoises seemed to be everywhere the Seasmoke travelled today: Egeria Shoal, Weynton Passage, Stubbs Island and Donegal Head off Malcolm Island. These swift swimming porpoises are a joy to watch as they slip along through the water, often following in the wake of boats. In these same locations, passengers were treated to the sight of the numerous, large dark grey Humpback whales foraging around for tiny morsels of sea protein such as shrimp like crustaceans (krill) and small fish, strained through their baleen plates along with huge volumes of ocean water.

What a great way to spend an afternoon, watching coastal wildlife close up in natural habitats aboard a comfortable boat with a knowledgeable skipper/naturalist to interpret and guide you into just the right places. This is truly a wonderous world we call home.