In the stillness of the morning fog, we entered into a mysterious viewing of orcas ~ superb and surreal imagery, the contrast of black against the white of fog~ extraordinary!

The fog was thick today but despite it, we were able to find the A30s, a family of resident orcas. They were in a beautiful resting line and travelling slowly along the Hansen Island shoreline in Johnstone Strait. We had some wonderful viewing and seeing them in this manner was indeed mystical. Listening to their dive sequence, synchronized and wonderful, in the silence before, and after, added an even greater depth to our viewing. As we made our way slowly along, we also had sightings of rhinoceros auklets, common murres, bald eagles and gull species, several harbour seals and even a stellar sea lion swam by!

Dall's Porpoise 'rooster tailed' around us as we listened for humpback whale blows, we heard a few around us but did not see one until the fog was clearing and the sun shone through, sparkling on the big whale's back! Around this time we also encountered another group of resident orcas, they were making their way into Blackfish Sound and we were thrilled to hear them vocalizing. We had our afternoon tea, listening to orcas calling out to one another in the mysterious fog. It was extraordinary!

We cannot do much about the weather, but we can choose to make the most of what it has to offer and today, it was a little bit of magic that came our way! The sun was soon shining bright and the colourful scenery that emerged from the white expanse that we had spent part of our morning in was breathtaking and beautiful and so much more besides.....it was Paradise!

Update: The incoming orcas have since been identified as the A34's and A46, joining with the A30's (A1 Pods) in the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve around 3.00 p.m. this afternoon. How wonderful and timely! Today's penned comments: "We had a really nice time "sailing" with SeaSmoke. Even though the first hours were foggy, we did see orcas, some seals, porpoises, and some bald eagles. Later the weather cleared and we saw a humpback! We really enjoyed the trip!" Fam Schoots & Klaassen, Holland

"What a lovely trip with SeaSmoke. We loved the muffins and scones. The scenery was amazing. Although very foggy we saw orcas, porpoises, and sea lions. Thank you for this lovely morning!" Fam. Barendrecht , Holland

"It was a magical trip. A little bit of everything and such a thrill to see the orcas and the humpback. Thanks for the good luck and great time."

"A wonderful enjoyable voyage. The treats were amazing! Thanks for a memorable trip!" Joanne

"Great look at orca whales - best muffins and scones I've ever had - a true Devonshire cream Tea was a lovely surprise. Thanks to you all." Mary, Merrickville, Ontario

"An amazing adventure! The fog was like entering a portal to another world. Thank you, thank you!".