Well, we did not find orcas, but we did find plenty of other cool creatures. On a boat built for 50, we had 7 people, so it was like having a private tour. The guests and captains and I were relaxed and open to any new experiences that might come our way.
In that light we decided to head farther northwest than we usually do when going on a wildlife tour. We traveled up President's Channel and around Patos Island, a state marine park. I got to tell everyone about the historic lighthouse on the island, as well as the role that the lighthouse at East Point on Saturna Island played in the capture era of our Resident Orcas. The watery stretch of Boundary Pass right between those two lighthouses was playing host to a large conglomeration of harbor porpoises who, for once, were not inclined to be shy.
Canada was definitely where the show was today since Boiling Reef had harbor seals, Steller's sea lions and California sea lions all in the same place. Being able to compare and contrast the three species was priceless from a naturalist's point of view. The two types of sea lions were even being vocal, so the guests could hear that there was a difference as well as see that there was.
We floated past Java Rocks as an eagle sat perched on top like a king surveying his realm. Then it was back across the boundary, through John's Pass, around the Cactus Islands and halfway down the length of Spieden Island to see the mouflon sheep. It just goes to show that you do not have to have orcas for it to be a fabulous day on the water.
So, from Captains Craig and Mike and everyone here at San Juan Safaris, to all of you water babies out there, thank you and we will...
See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist