This year’s Rotary Wildlife Fundraising Cruise hit the jackpot.  Not only did we fill the boat but while we had rain in the morning, as we cruised out of Crescent Harbor the sun began to break through.  We also hit the jackpot on wildlife. Thank you Allen Marine Tours.

We set out past Vitskari Rocks where several humpback whales were feeding.  While we saw several full breaches, I didn’t get any pics of them, but on the “fishing grounds” they were tail slapping to stun fish and using their pectoral fins to thrash fish into their mouths.

We also caught several nice whale dives.

After that we watched a raft of sea otters tangled in kelp.

While on the rocks beyond harbor seals were hauled out.

We watched several minke whales feed closer to shore.  They are elusive.  They feed just under the surface, pop up to breathe but don’t spout, and then go down.  While we saw them, I was never quick enough to catch them on a camera.  Nearby there is an eagle tree with parents feeding the hatchlings.  Unfortunately, we were shooting into the sun and I didn’t get any pics worthy to share.  But the pics are in my memory.

Finally, on the way back, we saw Stellar Sea lions hauled out on the channel marker buoys, silhouetted in the setting sun with Mt. Edgecumbe in the background.

We live in a world of wonders!