Biggs orcas T77A with T49A2 followed by J Pod

April 10, 2021 – It was an exciting day full of changing conditions, gorgeous scenery, and lots of orcas including both Biggs/transient orcas and Southern Resident orcas. The Biggs orcas, T77A and T49A2, had come in through Thatcher Pass and we met them by Frost Island. After a bit of hunting the orcas continued on their way through the islands by way of Harney Channel. We let the whales go on ahead of us while we took the time to get in some relaxing sailing.

As we approached the bottom of West Sound a squall passed through with increasing winds and we could see some rain in the area getting closer. We decided to quickly reef the sails in preparation, but after a short while it passed us by and all was back to relaxing again. Venturing up into West Sound we caught up with the orcas once more and travelled down the Sound with them. As the orcas headed through Wasp Passage they stopped for more hunting. T77A did a nice belly roll with several tail slaps and pec fin slaps and T49A2 breached 3 times in a row. Time was ticking by and it was time for us to continue on our way.

With news that the Southern Resident J pod orcas were coming down San Juan Channel we were able to catch a distant glimpse (half a mile) as we both made our way towards Friday Harbor. Their blows were glowing in the evening sunlight creating the most magical scene. What an epic end to an epic adventure.