This summer I really can't get orcas off my mind. We have had whale sightings pretty much every day. I even dream about orcas! It must mean something when your dreams reflect reality. Life is good. Especially on a sunny day in the San Juans. Today we encountered the orcas on the north end of San Juan traveling towards Turn Point on Stuart Island. They were side by side in a large group of at least ten. Casey and I identified L54 and her calf L108. We also caught glimpses of the brand new calf's tiny dorsal fin. Water conditions were smooth and the sun glistened on the water. On our way back to Friday Harbor we saw three bald eagles, two of which were immature and all brown in color. Bald eagles don't actually have white heads their entire lives. It takes about five years to acquire full adult plumage. As we arrived in Friday Harbor, the sun was still high in the sky. I waved goodbye to our guests who were headed for the icecream shops. I smiled watching them walk away, knowing that a few of them would be dreaming of orcas tonight too.
Sally
Naturalist