Whales, baby!

Well, if we're being accurate, the Orcas are actually the largest members of the dolphin family.  They are not whales.  Many years ago, they were known as: whale killers... that somehow became: killer whales.

Call 'em what you want, we had 'em.  Part of L-Pod is back!  The reports came in before we were scheduled to head out.  Decision time: go north, run a longer distance, and presume that you will catch them.  Or, go south, thick fog reported in the Cattle Pass area, and assume you will punch out of the fog early enough to make up for the slower speed you'll have to run through the fog.  It's never: here they are, and here's the only way to get to them.

I discussed it with the captain on our other boat... split decision.  I decided to go south; at the last minute, the other boat followed us.  As we neared the fog bank (and, it was a solid wall)...

In it, the visibility was down to less than 100 feet.  In Cattle Pass.  We were heading south, two targets coming north.  I made a position announcement on Channel 16, no response.  Our other boat was behind us.  The first target was close to our 12:00 position, I turned to put it in our 1:00 position... it was a sailboat, no radar.  The second target was moving erratically... it turned out to be a small metal powerboat, also no radar (at least the metal boat shows up well on our radar).

It amazes me that people would go into a tight pass, with thick fog, no radar, and NOT respond on Channel 16.

On the other side of the pass, the visibility improved nicely, and we picked up speed, heading north.  The sea state picked up, as well.  The prediction was: 1 to 2 foot seas.  The reality: 3 foot seas... and building.

The whales were moving south as we were heading north.  It put our boat in good position to stay out of their path, and still have a good viewing.  I had to work to keep the bow into the wave action so the guests would get a decent ride.

Everyone was enjoying the Orcas.  I tried several times to get a photo, but the motion up on the flybridge was not conducive.  It's been a while since I've seen the L-85s... in spite of the lumpy conditions, everyone was happy.

The waves continued to build.  I told the guests to get their last looks, it was time to head back.  The wave direction was coming out of the southwest, putting it right on our beam.  A boat just ahead of us reported 4 to 5 foot seas.  Yep, it was going to be a lumpy ride back.

Cattle Pass was kicking up on our way in.  Once through that, I went down to check on the guests - everyone was doing OK.  Considering the conditions, I was relieved that no one had to "spend time at the rail."

The water smoothed out as we got close to Friday Harbor.  Happy guests as they got off the boat... not sure if it was from seeing whales or from being back on solid ground. ;-)

I was a happy boy - it was a bit of work to get us to the L-Pod, but SO nice to see them again.