If you thought yesterday was a big day, today was even bigger!! Up early with a fruit smoothie and muffin in hand we found our way to the dock we arrived at yesterday. We weren't going to catch the sea plane again but instead a massive Zodiac boat with twin 250hp outboards was waiting for us.
We kitted up in waterproof sea suits with built in life jackets and climbed aboard in preparation to watch some killer whales and they had already been spotted that morning. The zodiac putted along the inner harbour but as soon as it passed the entrance it was full bore. Top speed of 40 knots (88km/h). The weather was absolutely stunning, a relatively cloud free day for this part of Canada with quite a bit of sun.
Travelling at speed and close to water gave an awesome wind chill factor. We had to zip up our suits and exposed skin got cold quickly. We powered south-west and west along the San Juan de Fuca Strait, 35km's wide with the centre marking the divide between Canada and the US and A. Normally this area is really rough with big swells barrelling up the strait from the Pacific Ocean. Today was beautiful and the snow capped partially cloud covered Olympus Mountains in Washington state were very picturesque.
We got to where the pod was sighted previously and within minutes of stopping we were treated with long dorsal fins sticking out of the water during dives. The pod was dispersed and travelling fast to the west. A number of whale laws were enforced so we had a bit of boat time getting around and some what close to them. We saw some breach into the air from a distance but generally they were just diving and foraging. These whales eat 60 - 90 5 -15kg salmon a day!
When we got around the two big males came within view. One did a dive within 20m of the boat and seeing these big creatures close by was absolutely amazing. The colours reminded me of home. I hope the Pies beat the Hawks this weekend.
We spent lots of time just travelling around at varying speeds to get good views. One swam under the boat in pursuit of salmon. After about two hours of whale watching we powered back to Race Rocks, the southern most point of Western Canada. These rocks had strong current flow and a lighthouse marking these rocks within the busy strait. Here we saw lazy seals resting and the odd seal pup swimming around. The bird life here was exceptional. A baby bald eagle flew off and around the other side of the island, two others were perched high a top on the rocks. Through the binoculars you could see these proud birds with their iconic white head. Stunning.
We made it back in and surprised by how warm it was once you got off the sea and out of the wind. We cruised around town for a bit and then caught the bus to the ferry terminal. The BC ferries run every two hours from Tsawwasen on the mainland to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. The bus got pole position, ahead of the multitude of cars, RV's, trucks and vans. The ferry passed it's counterpart through the Active Passage, a tight kinked passage between two islands which allow smooth access. Back onthe bus, off the ferry into town and our first Sky Train ride. Not to exciting but we were back inVancouver for dinner.
We gave the Old Spaghetti Bowl a go and the food was filling and quite cheap. We got harassed by a local homeless lady on the way home. She was homeless and harmless (she had one leg!).
What a great couple of days! Tomorrow Canada Day.
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