Thursday July 22, Breanna Day 4

Oh Happy Day!
I woke up with a smile on my face. Not only am I on a boat rocking in my bunk, but Todd is joining the party this afternoon! I have learned over the last 15 years, that life is even more fun when Todd's around. As I was eating my Breanna special Braeley came in calling, "Mama, Mama, Daddy, Daddy, come look at the domino tower I made..." He had a dream that Daddy was already on the boat. Awww. He is maybe missing Daddy the most.




We lift anchor and depart Sucia island...on constant alert for Orca. Matt has his ear tuned to the radio working at de-coding the whale watching and Whale Museum chatter about pod movement. "L is North of 11 about 1/2 mile off shore...". We knew we were on the right path when we are passed by a zodiac imprinted with "Be Whale Wise" and flying an orca wind sock. We sat up in the wheelhouse with our coffee drinks (thanks John) and binoculars.

At one point we were hitting some significant wakes from passing barges, Jocie, Braeley, and I ran out to the bow, in our coats and beanie hats, to jump. If you jump just at the right moment, the peek of the wave, you get a great fall back down, hopefully on your feet back on the boat. Bella, however, was looking a bit green so just watched the fun while wrapped in a towel to keep warm, eyes forward.

Ahoy, we see a small group of boats ahead.... The Whale Wise boat is among them.... Thar she blows! We could see the spouts of the whales before we could see their dorsal fins break through the water. We sat watching them weave above and below the surface for half an hour, mesmerized by their power and grace. Occasionally one would spy hop it's head out from the surface and look at us. Thrilling to be watched, as we were watching. Then just as we thought they were moving on, we found them heading straight toward the boat. They approached dove under, and swam around us. We felt like Sea World trainers without the whistles and matching wet suits. The whales were doing "tricks" all around us. Probably as a warning to the rest of the pod, one whale swam upside down behind next to us slapping his tail and watching. So cool!

As we turned a corner on Orcas Island I could see the ferry terminal and texted Todd who was sitting at the marina restaurant, "look out the window". He spotted us motoring in and ran down to the dock. There were crazy currents in the area, but Matt persevered and backed the 100 foot yacht up to the edge of the pier for Todd to throw aboard his duffle and leap onto the swim step. James Bond style pick-up.

On our way to find our next mooring, Ross led us in another yoga session, that never gets old! Unfortunately, Jana and Karalina had to take off in the tender for the Ferry back to Anacortes to meet their family. We gorged on chips and quac to tide us over until dinner (steak and potatoes). Over night we stayed by Decatur Island, in Secret Bay. Our favorite spot thus far, no other boats, calm waters, seals and pups on the rocky shore... gorgeous.