Kelly | M/V Sea Lion | August 26th, 2024 | 5:30PM
We left Roche harbor and cruised into Spieden channel on our 2nd to last sunset tour of the season. The weather had finally cleared from the the morning rain and the sun was peaking out from behind the clouds. We made our way to the northeast side of Spiedan island and quickly cruised through the Cactus Islands. In this small island cluster, we found a group or harbor seals and a pair of bald eagles perched in the evergreen trees. We then turned south and made our way down San Juan Channel to investigate a reported group of killer whales. After making it almost half way down the channel, we saw our first exhales in the distance! This group is made up of 4 Biggs killer whales including:
- T60 "Panthera" F 1980 (mom)
- T60C "Yelnats" M 2001
- T60F "Tigris" F 2012
- T60G "Uncia" F 2019
We watched this family make their way up the channel, swimming alongside each other for each breath cycle. As they made their way over the tip of San Juan Island, the sun began to fully set. The clouds opened up over the Canadian Gulf Islands and sunlight beams illuminated the various peaks and valleys. This family of four suddenly split and went under for a long dive. The large male "Yelnats" unexpectedly surfaced facing our vessel. In moments like these, the most respectful reaction is to cut the engine and float in place. This impressive full grown male swam under our boat and surface off the port side. It was the perfect finale this picturesque sunset tour.