People ask me sometimes if my job gets routine.  For example, today we had two trips aboard the Western Explorer.  Both times we went to the south end of San Juan Island.  Both times we saw the same groups of whales.  But each trip was anything but routine, and both trips were amazingly unique.

For our first trip, we headed south where we had reports of “lots of whales” but no one had called in any IDs.  Along the way, we were distracted by a couple of bald eagles perched in a large snag, and then of course we had to make the stop at Whale Rocks for a quick peek at the growing number of Stellar Sea Lions that are coming back after a summer of hanging out with the female Stellars.

Soon it was time to go look at whales, and we decided to take the long way around and go out to Hein Bank first to see if there were any humpbacks or minke whales lurking about.  Calm seas made for ideal spotting conditions, but alas none were found.  So we headed back towards the island where orcas were spread out from Eagle Point to Hannah Heights.  We found a nice little group off to themselves and we were treated to some very nice viewings of J Pod, K Pod, and L Pod!  Yup–a SUPER POD!  First came J2 Granny, followed by many more whales closer to shore.  We dropped the hydrophone into the water and it was amazing.  Tons of calls, some very distant, some very close.  Lots of S1 calls and clicks and whistles.  The distinct sound of the K Pod kitten calls.  Whales were everywhere, and when we finally had to leave, we had to go out quite aways to get clear of whales and make it back to the dock.

So soon it was time for our second trip and again we headed south.  But this time we found ourselves out at Hein Bank–this time with orcas!  L72 Racer and gang were off to themselves, and we found ourselves with lots of whales and we were the ONLY boat within 5 miles!  The water by this time was absolute glass, and with the engines shut down, you could hear the blows of whales near and far (and some really far!)  We also saw L26, L92 hanging around.  The whale appeared to be heading for Port Angeles when suddenly they all made a turn and started heading west for a bit.  This was followed by yet another turn and the whales were all heading back towards San Juan.  By this time, whales were spread over an area of at least 8 miles, which led to a nice conversation about how far we think whales can hear each other (about 10 miles).  Lots of play behavior, lots of chasing each other, and lots of salmon jumping!  At one point, the only two boats in the area were ourselves and the Center for Whale Research.  It was as if the ocean had been reserved for just us.  As the sun headed west, we headed north back to Friday Harbor with big grins plastered on our faces!