K & Lpod Aug 25th 2007.

We set out on an early 8.00am tour this morning in the direction of Lime Kiln, after both Ron Bates (Marine Mammal Researcher) and Captain Trev had heard Orca on the hydraphone at Lime Kiln Lighthouse. As we neared the middle of Haro Strait we then had a report that Orcas had been spotted moving south in Rosario Strait by a water taxi, so off we headed towards Colville Island. As we approached Colville we immediately sighted numerous blows and fins and realized we had a large number of Orcas spread out over quite a distance. As the Orcas came closer we soon realized we had all of Kpod and most of Lpod. We were the heros of the day and soon spread the word that contact had been made with 2 of our Southern Resident Orca Pods!

In the afternoon the Orcas had moved South East and were heading towards the Southern Heine Bank marker. We watched the Orcas spread out over a large area and heading South East towards Port Angeles. Suddenly we started to see lots of activity from a number of Orcas and then several animals breached, including two animals that breached simultaneously. It was an amazing sight with up to 30 breaches from Orcas in all directions! We also saw spyhops, tailslap, Pectoral Waves and Cartwheels.

We picked up the Orcas again during our evening tour spread out over a wide area in the Juan De Fuca Strait. After weighing up the options we followed a group of Kpod Orcas heading East back towards the South Heine Bank marker, near were we had left them earlier in the day. As we were observing this group and other K and Lpod members we suddenly realized there was a chance this group was going to meet up with the rest of Lpod (L12's) that had been hanging around Lime Kiln all day. Sure enough a few minutes later we saw the group come together and began intensive socializing. It was such a rare and special moment to see this type of event right before our eyes.

Another stunning sunset was the perfect end to this breathtaking day!