Super Pod...

I've seen it before: J, K, and L Pods come together.  Most call it a Super Pod.  I call it: Prom Night!

Coming back from my afternoon trip yesterday, I heard rumors that J-Pod was coming down from the north, K & L Pods were coming from the west.  Actually, I've heard those rumors several times this summer, with no results.  Today was the day.

I wrote about the fog this morning.  That family was pretty determined.  They got out late, flew into Roche Harbor, and took taxis from Roche to Friday Harbor.  It amazes me that they had a great spirit about them, in spite of what Mother Nature threw at them... and, we were only one hour late getting off the dock.

I had reports of a good number of whales moving down Rosario Strait.  And a "rumor" of whales moving fast to the south in Haro Strait.  I got a confirmation of the rumor from my boss, who was on shore.  We decided to head south, out Cattle Pass.

Coming around the south end of the island, I could see boats way north, in the middle of Haro Strait.  I called on the radio to confirm that.  Just a few minutes later, I pulled back on the throttle - whales just ahead of us... LOTS of whales!  And, no other boats around.  I called it in, and we were joined by two other boats shortly... but they weren't even close to us.  Did I mention: LOTS of whales?  Active whales.  We sat with the engine off and watched at least 10 go by us.  I started up to reposition, and immediately saw a few more coming our way.  I moved enough to be well out of their path, and they rewarded us with a couple breaches.

Easily, the most Orcas I've seen all season in one viewing.  And, they kept coming!  I tracked along with their movements, continuing to give the guests great views.  These people were being rewarded for their patience and good attitude, as well.  The young lady who wants to be a naturalist when she grows up had an ear-to-ear grin.  OK, I did, too.  ;-)

The first whale we saw...

Then, another (and look at that calm water)...

And more...

They started moving FAST to the southwest... I really didn't want to see that.  They were headed towards the Pacific.  "Don't go!!"

I looked at my watch and figured it was time to get these folks back.  Joan had called the folks on my next trip and moved them back a half hour.  We originally had an hour between trips... this was going to give us just enough time to do a quick clean and board up the next folks (also known as: turn and burn).

Wouldn't you know it - there were whales between us and our way back in!  We have speed restrictions we have to follow... and two whales decided to head right for us.  I maneuvered away from the direction I wanted to go... no other option.  The guests were loving it.  I could see the minutes ticking away.  When we finally cleared the last whale, I called another boat trying to maneuver their way back in, too.  Another boat said, "We're with the east group.  We are coming by the south end of Lopez - if you don't get into Cattle Pass before this group gets there, you aren't getting in... Super Pod!"

We just made it - I saw the line of boats behind us as we made it in the pass.

This family was absolutely delightful... and could not have been more pleased with their trip.

I walked up to the office to greet our next guests, thanked them for their patience, and assured them we'd have a great viewing ahead.  Joan handed me a bag with a sandwich - no lunch break today.  When I counted, two guests weren't there.  After waiting for a few minutes, I told the first mate to bring the late ones down to the boat, and I escorted the others.  A few more minutes, and I saw the first mate leading a couple down the ramp.  I did the safety talk, told them what to expect during the trip, and explained how to use the marine head onboard.  The woman who was late looked in the direction of the head and said, "I'm not using that - do we have time for me to walk up to the bathroom?"

I thought she was kidding.  She wasn't.  Now, being put in a NO-win situation: tell her "no," and have her mad, tell her "yes" and have the rest of the guests mad, because they had already been waiting for her.  I said, "Go fast."

She said, "Oh, just nevermind."  It was VERY apparent she was used to getting her way.

I said, "Let's not debate this - go NOW, and don't keep the rest of these nice folks waiting."

She said, "It's not my fault - the ferry was late!"

I said (another NO-win situation), "The ferry that came in a half hour ago?  The ferry that has great big bathrooms on it?"

She said, "Fine.  I'll go."  Maybe she didn't want to be there with the rest of the guests chuckling after the comment above?

The guy she was with looked like a beat dog.  I felt bad that she was making such a scene, but I was relieved that I was not him.  Oh, and she didn't move fast.

We shoved off, and I assured the guests that this would NOT impact their time on the water, and I would assure them a great trip.  They deserved that.

The whales had moved out west, past Hein Bank.  I stopped to let folks look at the Stellars on the way out, and someone said, "The first mate said you have wristbands for seasickness?"  No, not her... him.

The water was nearly flat.  "You feel OK?" I asked.

"Yeah.  Just in case."  I handed him a set, and another guy asked for the other band.

Less than a half hour later, we caught up with the whales.  They had slowed down.  And they were even more active than this morning.  Tail slaps, spy hops, and several more breaches.  With the word about the Super Pod spreading like wildfire, I expected 50 or 60 boats to be on the scene... maybe it was the off-shore distance, but there were fewer than 20, and those were widely spread out.  Even more whales than we saw this morning!

I didn't get any photos with the groupings - but a few more individuals...

And then... they switched directions!!  Bless their Orca hearts, they were heading back towards San Juan Island!!

We were able to move, stop the boat, watch... and repeat.  Again and again.  It was a beautiful evening.  Even Miss Pissy-Pants seemed to be enjoying it... she just didn't want me to see that she was.  No sure how I became the bad-guy??

We stopped to see a Minke whale on the way in (good timing).  When I came down from the helm after the trip, I got a round of applause.  Well, from all but one.  And, she gave a dirty look to her boyfriend, who was clapping.  ;-)  Run, mister, Run!!!

This group was a delight, too.  Well, all but one.  I admit: I go through life looking for the absurdity... it must be tough going through life looking for a reason to be pissy all the time.  She could have learned something from these whales today: they are with the ones they care about; they are running free, and eating until their bellies are full.  And sometimes, they are so happy with life that they breach... I think that is the Orcas' version of a "happy dance"! :-)