At long last, the mysterious K-pod has returned! It's heartwarming to see those familiar dorsal fins and saddle patches gracing our inland waters once more, because we really didn't see them at all at the start of our summer season. While L and J-Pod would meander through the Salish Sea, K-pod seemed to remain out in the open ocean, perhaps seeking salmon. Whatever the reason we didn't see them in June and July, we sure are happy that they are here now! M/V Kestrel had a wonderful whale watch this afternoon, complete with long looks at two family pods that were traveling within a half mile of each other. We first encountered them off of Battleship Rock at the north side of San Juan Island, and as they were trending north, we paralleled their movements past Spieden Island and towards Turn Point on Stuart Island (which just so happens to be the most northwesternly tip of the United States!).
This route is absolutely beautiful, as it gave us sweeping views of Vancouver Island to the west, the Pender Islands to the north, and the rugged shoreline of Stuart, which provided a gorgeous backdrop for the whales' breaths and sharp black dorsals as they made their way in the direction of East Point. The best part of the day? These K-pod whales were having a grand ole time, and we sure got a chance to share in that joy! Plenty of spy-hopps, breaches, tail lobs, pec slaps, and porpoising behaviors could be seen, and there was a definite sense of excitement in the air! It was almost tangible as we watched the two families head across Boundary Pass, Mount Baker looming magnificently in the background. I sure hope these K-pod whales will hang around the area for a bit longer so we can continue to enjoy their energy and zest.
What a day! Sadly, we eventually had to pull away from the scene quietly and leave the K-pod whales to thier business, but we were able to finish out the trip with a cruise through John's Pass and the Cactus Islands, where we saw bald eagles and harbor seals galore. The metropolis of wildlife that is the Salish Sea is a thrilling place to visit, and we encourage returners to the islands to come back out with us on a whale watch whenever they're in the area, because you never know what you might see on a given day! K-pod? Transients? Grey Whales? Humpbacks? Come out with San Juan Safaris and find out!