August 28, 2011

Not far past Ogden Point breakwater, along the edge of Constance Bank we found a trio of Humpback whales feeding and milling around the Krill and Plankton rich area. Massive arched backs curved up out of the water with tails following not far behind. It was the start of a fine day in the Juan de Fuca Strait. The humpbacks were moving nice and slow so we could follow them easily, sticking close to the surface. The passengers were extremely excited and rather vocal about the whole affair, cheering and clapping every time one of the Cetaceans lifted its flukes. As if the whales knew all the commotion was just for them, one smashed its flukes on the surface over and over to whooping and cheers from those aboard. It was like being in the front row at a major sporting event, except rather than asking for autographs the crowds were begging to be covered in water! Eventually the whales settled down as did the passengers and we cruised off to the west to explore Race Rocks Lighthouse. It was the peak of the flood tide and the Stellar Sea Lions were in full hunting and playing mode. We drifted just offshore and watched as we were surrounded by all manner of Pinnipeds. Fish were thrown in the air, flippers and tails were waving from all directions and big fat whiskery faces peered at us from the churning water below. The only thing that stank about the whole experience was the smell wafting from the nearby rocks, ripe with Eau de Sea Lion and Fragrance a la Seagull. Our trip back to the harbour was pleasant and sunny, the perfect way to wrap up such an exuberant trip; however, one final treat was in store for us. As we cleared the fog that had been lingering in the west we saw Victoria emerge through a mirage. There was a band across the lower horizon that flipped everything upside down on to itself and the perfect example was distant Trial Island and its lighthouse looked like an upside down island sinking into the water, lighthouse and point first. How strange!