Meaning that it was calm and relaxed and just a chill day on the water. L pod is known for being a little more relaxed in their activities and that energy carries over to the whole trip. A calf did treat us to a goodbye breach though. Our cruise started out with some excitement when a bald eagle flew over the M/V Sea Lion just after we pulled out of our slip. Despite the sea gulls that were trying to chase it away the eagle dropped down to the water, talons extended, and pulled out a big fish. Unfortunately, as it was rising back up into the air the fish came loose and fell back down to the water. A sea gull immediately landed in the water in the same spot, hoping to salvage some lunch from the possibly injured fish.
The theme for the day seemed to be good experiences with bald eagles. After we left the orcas at the southwest corner of San Juan Island, we stopped at Whale Rocks down in Cattle Pass. The harbor seals were not hauled out on the rocks, but were all swimming in the fast moving currents that were bringing the water level around the islands back up to high tide. Sitting right on top of one of the rocks was another bald eagle. It had frightened all of the sea birds into the air and was then sitting there waiting for it's chance to grab something to eat. After a minute or so, the eagle circled the reefs and the boat a few times before once again settling down on the rocks.
Despite all of the harbor seals zooming around Whale Rocks in the currents, it was surprising to see a mom and pup get carried past. The pup would hang on mom's back and then float off by itself before she caught back up. That is one of the nice things about being able to swim from birth, mom can not lose track of you in the water because you can keep up.
So, from all of us at San Juan Safaris, to all of you looking for relaxation, thank you and we will...
See You In The Islands!
~Tristen, Naturalist