June 25, 2011

Today we had a great group of passengers as we headed NE to the San Juan Islands. The Olympic Mountains made an appearance on our way out, which was lovely to see as they have be hiding behind the clouds lately. At the Northern end of San Juan Island, near Henry Island, we spotted a lone dorsal fin heading North. It was L-87, also known as Onyx. This particular whale is a member of the L-pod, but has been seen hanging out with J-pod for a number of months. Though we couldn’t see them yet, we suspected that J-pod had to be around somewhere! We left Onyx and went North to Stuart Island…and they were there! In resting mode, the pod was casually moving North. Orcas have to remember to breathe, so instead of sleeping they shut down one hemisphere of their brain and form a close group with 3 or 4 others and slowly travel. We were able to shut off our engines at one point which allows for a really wonderful experience, being able to hear the animals take a breath. It was a great morning for viewing as another Orca Spirit Adventures was made!