September 1, 2019 – We had whales all over the place, but all heading away from us! It wasn’t easy choosing a route, but in the end it worked out just fine.
Crossing the border into Canada south of D’arcy Island we encountered the T18’s who were met by the T46B’s and the T100’s. Included in this group is the young calf, T46B1B aka “Tl’uk” – a rare pale gray/white orca. The orcas quickly travelled in two big groups in the direction of Zero Rock.
It’s possible that they chased some harbor seals from the rocks because hunting ensued shortly thereafter. What a fantastic viewing as the orcas surfaced all around some in tight groups circling in different directions. All in all it was a great viewing.
After departing the orcas we set a course north of Spieden Island where we would have our delicious dinner in the serenity of New Channel. David spotted a peregrine falcon above the cliff and we also saw various bald eagles and harbor seals throughout the day.
We gave a close pass to Flattop Island to admire the geology in the setting sun before continuing our journey to the Orcas ferry landing. Dropped off 4 folks and returned to the harbor with a delightful sunset with our remaining two passengers.
Route Map 9-1-19
Harbor seals
Sailing in Canada
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Tight group of orcas including the T46B’s, T100’s and the T18’s
Bothers T19B and T19C
Orcas circling Zero Rock
T19C passing Zero Rock
Harbor seals and cormorants on Zero Rock
Bothers T19C and T19B
Orcas hunting – you can noticeably see T46B1B (the pale gray/white orca)
Orcas hunting – you can noticeably see T46B1B (the pale gray/white orca)
T19B (born 1995) with T100C (born 2002)
Orcas hunting
T46B1B aka ‘Tl’uk’
T46B1B peduncle scratches
Tails up
Orca spy hop
Orca hunting
Orca hunting
Peregrine falcon
Bald eagle
Glassy mirror-like conditions
Drifting in New Channel
Beautiful Flattop Island
Sunset sail
Watching the sunset
Layers of islands
Golden lining
Low Island in beautiful light
Madrone tree on Yellow Island
A gorgeous sunset
Crescent moon