June 10

We first stopped at a buoy to find 2 sleepy Sea lions. They were super cute, one was using the other as a pillow.

We got info that there were whales going against the current, traveling slow north of orcas island near Point Doughty. We were afraid that they were going to turn around and use the Eb tide, so we hurried up there. They kept going east, so we got to watch them for an hour.

There are 5 whales in the T99s matriline, and they were giving us good looks at
their saddle patches and eye patches. At one point, they showed all 5 of their dorsal fins in a perfect lIne with Baker in the background. It was an absolutely magical moment with the T99s! We are so lucky to be stewards of the whales.

T99A- Bella
T99B- Holly
T99C- Barakat
T99D- Puck
T99E- [New Baby]

June 11

Early in the day there was a report of whales just south of Spiden. We went through the middle of the islands through Wasp Passage. After exiting into San Juan channel, we went north to catch up with the T65A’S.

As soon as we got on scene, they were showing us some exciting activity. It seemed like they were finishing up a kill. We got to see an impressive spy hop and some tails go up in the air. At one point, T65A2 “moon walked” where he swam backwards. This indicates food sharing amongst the group.

T65A – Artemis (1986)
T65A2 – Ooxjaa (2004) → Big Male
T65A4 – Ellifrit (2011)
T65A6 – Callisto ( 2018)

June 12

Our first stop today was at Viti Rocks, one of 84 National Wildlife Refuges in the San Juans. We saw lots of cormorants and gulls during our opening announcements, then we saw a steller on a buoy close to the dock being so active, he seemed like a paid actor.

We hung out with the T65A’s spread out. So for the whole hour, we got to hang out with them, some surfacings closer than others.

It was raining this morning, but it cleared up to be a super lovely day!

June 15

The buoys all through Rosario were full of resting Stellers today. Lots of glimpses of them swimming.

We made our way over to Haro Strait where we saw Big Mama! Many people on board were familiar with her story and the “Humpback comeback”, so were super excited to see her.  We got many fluke dives and stayed with her for a good long time.

On our way home, we cruised by Spieden Island, where we found 11 Mouflon Sheep at the shoreline! A rarer sight for us. Great looks at a few with rather large sets of curly horns.