Contrasts...

Nothing to do with the lights and darks in photographs.

I had an early charter today.  Besides prepping the boat, I needed to get to the fuel dock, and get back in time for the caterer to deliver some very nice meals for the guests.  Six people had the boat to themselves.  Coho, one of the nicest restaurants on the island, delivered meals, fancy bottled water, and a selection of wine.  These folks know how to travel.  It took three of us, two trips each, to get the food and beverages onboard.

I met the guests at our office and escorted them to the boat.  Nice people.  I asked what they had in mind for their trip... "Well, we really aren't interesting in chasing around doing a whale watch thing.  Can you take us to some pretty places and tell us something about the islands?"

"Absolutely!  It will be our pleasure."  I saw the look in my naturalists eyes - these young people are all focused on the wildlife.  They all have some sort of biology degrees.  But, I have cruised these islands.  I have some hands-on knowledge.  I told my first mate, "I'll come down from the helm from time to time and explain where we are and give them some local knowledge.  Your main job today is 'hostess'.  Make sure they get time to enjoy these great meals.  Point out some wildlife as we pass by it.  Keep their glasses full."

No, not what we normally do on a whale watch trip.  The guests had a great time; I made it a point to keep the ride smooth and easy (didn't want them to spill their drinks), and took them to some beautiful places in the San Juans.  I'm glad they had a good time, but it was a real treat for the crew, as well.  So many people come to the San Juans and are totally focused on seeing Orcas... I point out where we will be cruising and how beautiful the area is, but most just want to see whales.  I get that.  But, this was relaxed and refreshing.

We got back in time to do a fairly quick turn around: food and drink off the boat, a cleaning, and set up for a boat full of whale watchers.  Just the opposite of our morning charter - these folks were here to see whales.  There were no Orcas in the area today... I am missing our resident Killer Whales.  The only report I had was a pair of transient Orcas that had moved through the area in the middle of the night and were already long gone on their way out Juan de Fuca... beyond our range.

I took the guests out to Hein Bank, in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Instead of smooth and relaxing, it was full tilt boogie on 2 to 3 foot waves to get these folks to where they could see some Minke whales.  They could see how hard we were working for them; and along the way, we saw eagles, Stellar Sea Lions, seals, and a nice variety of water birds.  And then - Cattle Pass had kicked up by the time we came back in; so these same folks got to experience a bit of a "thrill ride," as well.  Everyone seemed happy, but I wish we could have seen some Orcas.

It was a very interesting day; I really appreciated the contrasts between the trips.