A fantastic day ~ mighty and majestic humpback whales!

What a wonderful day of sharing gorgeous sights and sounds with our guests. The sun was bright as we made our way through numerous island waterways this morning, all of them were sparkling with light and life, it was absolutely breathtaking! Our first sighting of a humpback whale was from a distance away but as we drew nearer and caught sight of the fluke disappearing beneath the water, everyone became very excited while waiting in anticipation its next dive sequence. Diving for some 4-6 minutes and taking 6-7 breathes before disappearing from our sight, its sheer beauty and wonder claimed our senses. The humpback whale we identified as being Ojos Blancos/ White Eyes. Another humpback whale we noticed was working an area off Blackney Passage in Johnstone Strait and soon both whales were in close proximity to one another. The second whale we had just identified as being Guardian from the catalogue Humpbacks of Northeastern Vancouver Island, by Jackie Hildering and Christie McMillian Marine Education Research Society .  When the whale fluked again and while most of us were looking at the catalogue, Guardian suddenly breached nearby at the bow of our boat. A few passengers saw the entire breach, some of us a partial breach, others the mighty splash!  It was a treat for us all, especially when Guardian appeared a few hundred metres away and fluked again, a parting memory for those who were treated to such a special showing. Also seen today: harbour seals including a mother and her pup, dalls porpoises, rhinoceros auklets, common murres, bald eagles +++, black oyster catchers, belted kingfishers, great blue herons and gull species.

Today's penned comment: Our day started with many layers of clothing, it was a brisk morning indeed. Maureen and Dave picked us up at the marina and greeted us with smiles so warm. Rich in history, steeped in stories, biologists and marine ecologists would envy. No wind but no worries, we motored and saw more wildlife than we have in the past year. Warm muffins and tea, pictures of whales, sightings, gasp's and shrieks of excitement, could this be any better? The smell of the sea, the touch of wind on our faces, the sights of seals and bald eagles, porpoises and humpbacks. The breach of the whale felt like a private showing. We recounted the story of sitting among all the tourists, " where were you standing"? "what part of the breach did you see"? "did you see the splash"? We can only protect what we know and understand. Thank you for your sharing! We have learned so much from you. ~ Paula, Leonard, Declan and Ailish, Alberta, Canada