Orcas Island Eclipse Charters

Off to the south we went this afternoon from Orcas Landing. The Bald
Eagles were in the trees along Shaw Island and the Lopez nest was
active. We looked at the Cormorant condos of stacked up sticks on
Goose island, near the Cattle Pass Lighthouse.
The beautiful blue sky made the water look incredible. Initially it
was a look out at the bait balls with common Muirs and Rhinoceros
Aucklets and Harbor Seals pushing up the bait. Then surfaced a Minke
whale.
Once we got into a rhythm we saw five Minke whales doing figure
eights through the bait. Flat calm waters made the viewing very
rewarding. It was so beautiful.
On the way back in we stopped by Mummy rock and saw great Harbor
Seal haul outs. There were Harbor Porpoise in San Juan channel and
Griffin Bay. Lots of amazing views and a pleasant ride back in. A
treat as we rounded the corner between Lopez and Shaw was Mount Baker
in all it’s glory. Folks from Great Britain, Virginia, Florida, Ohio
and even a leather clad biker all the way from Los Angeles commented
on what a nice trip it was.

Today's trip took us out to past Hein Bank area toward Smith Island. 
South & East of the SJ. Islands It was there we encountered J-Pod. We 
stayed with Granny J-2 who is 100 years old this year. Quite 
remarkable. Her son was Ruffles, our favorite Orca that recently did 
not return with his pod. RIP Ruffles. He was a dear Orca friend and 
is truly missed.  "Granny J-2" Ruffles mom has taken up with 
"Speiden"J-8 another of her offspring. Also with Speiden was L-87 who 
has adopted J-8 as his surrogate mother after he lost his mom last year.
        Close by was Sachi J-19 and our name sake "Eclipse J-41". Eclipse is 
6 years old now and has grown into quite a handsome healthy Orca.
  Smith island looked sparkly white in the sun. Along the way out 
fishing were common muirs, surf scooters, pigeon guillimots and 
rhinoceros aucklets. Such lovely sights. On the return up Rosario 
straights we saw a close nest on James island with a Bald Eagle in 
it.. Mount Baker was out in all it's glory. Wild flowers paint the 
shores of our delicate outer islands.
Another special day out on the water. As the air felt cool on the 
return many enjoyed a hot cup of cocoa with Land o Lakes whip cream ! 
Yum yum .

Captain Daniel and crew are looking forward to the 2011 season.