Legendary Humpback Whale BCY0324 'Big Mama'

June 3, 2021 – We left Friday Harbor with some good winds and a flood tide to head North. I’d heard that the iconic humpback whale ’Big Mama’ BCY0324 who was seen earlier in the day at Pender Island was now at Turn Point. Big Mama is a legend, being the first humpback whale to return to the Salish Sea after their extermination in the early 1900’s. She has returned with a new calf 6 times to help repopulate this area with a lost species. I knew it was probable that she would progress South in Haro Strait, but was also aware possibly she would turn East to Spieden and within our half day sail range. A sprightly sail North seeing the harbor seals of Low and Yellow Islands was beautiful, but on hearing Big Mama was indeed indicating she may come our way we picked up the speed to head for Spieden Channel.

Winds were sporadically strong so the main sail was at first reef so it was an energetic sail along the Spieden shoreline with brief views of bald eagles and mouflon sheep. As we cleared Sentinel Island Big Mama had turned for New Channel – one of our favorite places. Sometimes humpback whales take Johns Pass between Stuart and Johns but we met her continuing East towards the Cactus Islands. With good views as she travelled fast and fluked in the late afternoon light we passed through the Cactus islands and then followed a zig zag course North and East. We saw her surface with Flattop Island behind and then progress to White Rock before deciding against taking Presidents Channel for a committed course to the North. We left with a fast sail across Presidents Channel and down Spring Pass to wander the Wasp Islands and come out at Nob Island into a spectacular sunset sail back to Friday Harbor.