Start of the 65th Swiftsure Race. May 24th, 2008.

Here are a few pictures from the start of the 65th Swiftsure Race. The yachts start from Clover Point and sail as far as Swiftsure Bank on the longest race, though there are also a number of shorter races. This year the first boat back into Victoria Harbor was the sailing Yacht Glory.

Jpod all day off San Juan Islands:) May 24th, 2008.

Near

Pacific Loon

Bald Eagle

Today we had another incredible encouter with Jpod off the San Juan Islands all day. We were the second boat on scene this morning after Jpod was discovered near Middle Bank, it was a magical day for crew and passengers:)

We first caught up with Jpod at Middle Bank and our boat was actually the second boat on scene! By our afternoon trip Jpod had moved south towards Salmon Bank where we watched several tailslaps, spyhops and even a breach by J1 "Ruffles"!

Apart from Jpod we also saw Bald Eagles, Pacific Loon, Rhinocerus Auklets, Harbor Porpoise a Minke Whale, Harbor Seals and several Harleqin Ducks.

The day ended with another spectacular Pacific Sunset!!!

Jpod yet again! May 23rd, 2008.

Here are just a few pictures from todays tours with Jpod. All four of our tours saw Jpod today and our passengers were thrilled with the incredible experience. We first encountered Jpod south of Hanna Heights moving North and the pod was spread out over a wide area.

In the afternoon we followed Jpod as they travelled back and forward along the west coast of San Juan Island. We observed Jpod doing a lot of foraging for Salmon throughout our trip.

In the evening it took us a little while to fin Jpod as they had moved North and were actually discovered near Sidney Island, an unusual place to find Jpod. At first the pod appeared to be in resting mode but not long after we arrived on scene several animals became very active and we saw tail slaps and a number of breaches.

The day ended with another breathtaking Pacific Sunset!

Jpod again off San Juan Islands! May 22, 2008.

Immature Bald Eagle at Race Rocks

Northern Elephant Seals showing signs of the Catashrophic Molt (shedding of skin) typical for this time of year.

Steller Sealions

Northern Elephant Seals

Eagle at Great Chain

The five pictures above were taken by Ron Bates, MMRG.

Here are just a few pictures from todays adventure with Jpod off San Juan Islands. Jpod was in the area for most of the day and our passengers enjoyed watching the various members of one of our Southern Resident Pods.