While I wish I had time to tour Vancouver today, I am hunting whales instead especially orcas. There are multiple companies, but I choose one operating out of a small town seaside town about 30-miles away called Steveston.
I chose to go on an inflatable raft called a zodiac which promises an “exhilarating ride” with a smaller group of 12 people rather than a larger, slower, more stable boat. I want the experience of flying across the water! Warnings are posted not to do this if you have neck or back problems or are pregnant. Hummm...Does two out of three count?
But first, let’s finish that cinnamon bun! I am finally to the rich googy center, and after 5 days, it is still yummy!
Vancouver is a major city, but the streets are wider and traffic seems more manageable than Seattle. I actually arrive without incident and grab a sandwich for lunch.
Our group of 12 suit up into bright orange puffy survival suits which will also serve as our life vest. They are hot on land, but we are told we will appreciate them on the open water. I feel like an astronaut!
Bathroom, anyone?
Out of the harbor, we pick up speed. It is relatively calm, but we are cruising with plenty of thumps and bumps. A pod of orcas were sighted on the morning trip so we are heading to the same area.
It takes 1 1/4 hr to find our quarry, Their black fins pierce the water as they gently surface and dive back down.
It’s difficult to capture a photo especially with the sun in my eyes, but we are close enough to hear them “blow” or breathing. You can also see the water vapor as they exhale.
This is a pod of 5 consisting of a large male, smaller female, her daughter, and the daughter’s two calves. A wildlife biologist is on board to teach us about orcas and answer questions.
Orcas or killer whales are actually members of the dolphin family. They are carnivores, and these particular ones eat primarily seals but have been known to prey on other dolphins and whales. Orcas have never attacked humans in the wild, but have been known to injure or even kill handlers in captivity. Known as the wolves of the sea, they hunt in coordinated packs. (This is the larger boat in the background; ours is much smaller.)
They are highly social living in pods based on the mother’s lineage and communicate through a series of whistles, clicks, and squeaks.
Some orcas are “residents” of a particular area and travel within those boundaries. Others are “transient” and more migratory along the east coast to Alaska.
Saddle patches behind the dorsal fins are individualized like fingerprints and are used by wildlife observers to identify each animal.
Strict laws regulate boat traffic. We are only allowed to remain in their company 1 hr 10 minutes and cannot approach within 100 yards. I was hoping to see an orca playfully leap out of the water, but no performances today.
It’s time to return and the waves are definitely choppier with white caps. Instead of being lulled to sleep, I am bouncing off my seat! It’s like a runaway horse returning to its stable for dinner!
After 1.5 hrs of bone-jarring and neck-snapping action, we return to the dock with my wind-whipped hair. Captain Mike says we were 50 miles off-shore and traveling at 45 mph!
Dinner will be the other half of my lunchtime sandwich plus more gelato! I am slightly sunburned and bruised, but my nightgown is nicely chilled! Time for ibuprofen and an ice pack for my neck.
Remember for the future: Beware, if you have neck and/or back issues don’t do this, LISTEN!
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