Today was my last day on the water. I'm heading back to a place where there are no breaching orcas or island dotted waters- the Utah desert. It was as if all the marine wildlife came out to say goodbye! We left the harbor with reports of orcas along the southern tip of San Juan. As we headed towards Salmon Bank, Captain Craig skillfully navigated through the fog. Along the way, we saw harbor and dall's porpoises. Cattle Point Lighthouse stood illuminated in a sun patch, wisps of fog slowly drifted by. "Pooofffttt" We heard the powerful blow of an orca's exhale. L79 "Skana" appeared off our starbird side. In the distance more dorsal fins emerged out of the fog. It was hard to leave the whales today, knowing I won't see them until next season. I haven't spent more than a few days without seeing orcas this summer. I have been deeply touched and truly hope that our guests have made a connection with the natural world as well. After circumnavigating San Juan Island, we traveled down Spieden Island's south side. Many mouflan sheep, fallow deer, and sika deer grazed along the south slope. Harbor seals and stellar sea lions also graced us with their presence. Oh yeah, and a bald eagle too. As we pulled into our slip back in Friday Harbor, Popeye the harbor seal was in the water welcoming us home. I couldn't have asked for a better last day.
Until next season.
Over and Out,
Sally,
Naturalist