Three Minkes and a Humpback whale MMY0147 on our sail

August 3, 2019 – As we circumnavigated Lopez Island we saw three minke whales and a humpback, MMY0147. That’s nothing to sneeze at!

We’ve been seeing the same three minkes on Salmon Bank each time we visit that area. We find it very exciting spending time with and observing these whales. Trying to make sense if they’re behaviors/patterns have anything to do with the tides is part of the fun of it. Sometimes there are very active bait balls with minkes feeding and other times there are lots of birds, but the whales are just milling without obvious feeding. Anyway, it was great seeing our familiar minkes and fun playing ‘find the minke’ after hearing their exhale somewhere close by or off in the distance.

Sailing towards Iceberg Pt we cruised the shoreline of South Lopez admiring the geology and wildlife in the area. With news that a humpback was coming down Rosario Strait we changed course to meet him/her.

Upon arriving the tide was very strong and choppy. The humpback was swimming against the tide and surfacing very quickly and high out of the water. It would take one to two breaths and then the big tail fluke came up for a deep dive. I quickly grabbed the catalogue and ID’d the whale as MMY0147. We paralleled the whale as it made very little forward progress, but rather swam like a whale on a treadmill. It was very interesting to watch. After many beautiful looks at this whale we turned to the north and continued our journey.

Shutting down for dinner at Upright Head as the sun began to set was gorgeous. But, the night wasn’t over yet – we surprised one of our passengers with a delicious birthday cake. A perfect end to a perfect day!