Whale Watching Report

The sun started to come out just as we began our trip today. Our first stop was at the south end of Lopez Island, and Castle Island. A bald eagle posed for us on a tree as we rounded the southeastern corner of Lopez. Near Castle Island we saw many pigeon guillemots, a few harbor seals, and one black oystercatcher. Soon we passed by Swirl Rocks and saw a couple more harbor seals and another bald eagle perched on the very top of the rock. It wasn't much longer before we found J-pod heading north along the west side of San Juan Island. We took a look at the trailers in the group that were just south of False Bay. J26, Mike, J27, Blackberry, and J2, Granny, were hanging out together today. The trio swam together for most of the time we watched them. At one point either Mike or Blackberry breached for us two times in a row (see picture above). Soon after that all three of these members of J-pod changed their direction and came over to pay us a visit. We had the engines shut down as we watched them swim by. What a treat for everybody. Other members of J-pod did a couple of cartwheels, lots of tail lobs, and a few more breaches today. On the return trip captain Carl decided to take the scenic route back to the dock by going through the calm waters of the inner San Juan Islands. Naturalist - Bart Rulon