The rain from this morning broke, and turned to partly cloudy skies. We had enough guests for two boats and reports of whales... it's a good day. The guests on my boat were all from Denmark and had won a trip to the US through the business they work for in Denmark.
We headed north from Friday Harbor, with a report of whale sightings in Canadian waters to the west of San Juan Island. We were there in about an hour, and already a handful of Canadian boats on the scene. It was an active group of transient Killer Whales. The rules are different in Canada, and we are allowed to get a bit closer. I am always impressed with how well the commercial operators work together... "Kittiwake, if you'd like, you can slip in here ahead of us." Everyone gets an opportunity to give their guests great views.
The largest male in the group was impressively large. And the group was active without moving a lot. One boat reported that they had been in the same spot for 40 minutes. I could hear the ooohs and ahhhhs and the clicking of cameras from our group. We had two naturalists onboard, both with degrees in marine biology - it is a treat to turn off the engine and be able to hear them explain the behavior we're seeing.
We stayed on the scene for about 45 minutes then went north to view an island rookery, then another reef with a lot of seals, then saw a bald eagle perched proudly in a tree top on the way home.
The wind had kicked up some by the ride back, but the guests seem to enjoy the ride... I know it is better down below where they are compared to my ride in the flybridge.
Joan and I were able to work the same hours today, a first for us... 5 hours in the middle of the day is a wonderful schedule! Afterwards, we went out for supper and topped it off with ice cream. Even had some beautiful blue sky as we walked around. And now, posting from the cockpit of Wild Blue, with the 3 of us relaxing in the cockpit.
Hope there are a lot more days just like this!
Alas, no photos - use your imagination. :-)
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4 comments:
Sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day. I am glad you are doing something that brings you some real job satisfaction. I love reading how you are getting to love your job. Thanks for including the rest of us.
Thanks for the kind words, Daniel. Time on the water, nice folks to work with, in a spectacular area, and getting to see those Killer Whales - we feel fortunate to have this opportunity.
Best wishes,
Jim
Hi Jim, Sounds like a good day on the water...perhaps you saw the new L-pod calf. I'll be joining you out there soon giving talks on 'Mystic Sea', so will give you a wave. www.sandrapollard.com (friend of Merv and Kathy)
Hi Sandra. Merv gave me your blog site address, as well - very nice. I'll look for you out there; usually driving Kittiwake.
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