Majestic and Mighty with Momentum ~ Biggs Orcas & Humpback Whales!

Our day today was one of wind, waves and whales in the form of Biggs (Transient) Orcas and some 12 + Humpback Whales and was dynamic from beginning to end! The wind was strong and blowing SE when we departed from the Alder Bay Resort this morning and crossing the Strait we made our way over to Weynton Passage where the blows of three humpback whales were seen, one whale was seen breaching multiple times and as we motored into the flooding current, the whale was observed swimming rapidly, pushed along by the current out into Johnstone Strait where it continued to breach! Orcas were suddenly reported travelling to the west in Blackfish Sound and we carried on, making our way north out into George Passage and with our main-sail and jib hoisted, we sailed in the direction of the orcas. Looking down Blackfish Sound we could see two humpback whales working close along Swanson Island shoreline, as well at least four more could be seen towards the White Cliff Islands. The orcas were ahead of us and were not going fast, they were swimming against the flooding current, spread out and taking long dives as is typical for Biggs orcas. There were four of them and they had been identified as T18 with her daughter T19, and T19's two sons, T19B and T19C. As we came closer we could see that they were in two groups (T19 with T19B and T18 with T19C with the latter two stalling a distance away and behind) when we suddenly saw the rooster tail splashing of several dall's porpoises as they quickly fled away from the approaching orcas. With several porpoises targeted, the sheer momentum and might of the orcas especially (T19 /T19B) was seen with acceleration from seemingly slow speed to that of unequivocably lightening speed with an almighty force. Turning back, we made our way towards Weynton Passage passing a humpback whale en route and cruising through a beautiful island waterway we came suddenly in view of some four or more humpback whales, all of them were steadily working in the flooding current in the midst of hectic herring ball, wind and wave activity! And so it was, sailing in the vicinity of the whales where wind and waves of opposing forces met in a flooding current that, for a moment or two, propelled us onward with a mighty momentum, and so with the wind at our back, we set sail for home! The cloud formations were fantastic today, as was the colour of the ocean, it was forever changing like the clouds in the sky! Also seen today: several ribbons of migrating bird species high in the sky! Stellar sea-lions, harbour seals, common murres, bald eagles, a pacific white-sided dolphin, pelagic cormorants and gull species. Today's penned comments: "Woo hoo! We had a blast. The transient orca and scenery and treats were certainly highlights. Thank you to our great hosts!" ~ Glen & Karen, Lake Country, BC

"Wonderful experience. It has been perfect. Great wildlife, food and sailing. Thanks!" ~ Morena, Galapagos

"Awesome and beautiful!" ~ Ardine & Argish, Peru

"A very beautiful trip with big whales, thanks...."

"Thanks for such a wonderful time! We were so lucky to see the orcas. What a beautiful (and delicious!) trip. Thanks again for everything." ~ Marine and Fred, France

"If I were a whale, I'd like to be an orca, majestic! Thank you for an unforgettable experience." ~Els, Geneva

"What a way to end a wonderful season. Thanks." ~ Mike, BC