T18s/19s in Rosario Strait

Today, while viewing the T18s/19s in Rosario Strait. This pod of orcas is one of those pods with confusing IDs. Mom is T18 Esperanza, and the kiddos, adult males, are T19B Galliano and T19C Spouter. I don’t recall why, but somehow, it happened in the initial ID process.

I had an interesting encounter with Sound Watch today. They were waving their flag and speeding to intercept me from .82 miles out (I looked at my plotter). They thought I was a “private” boater. Even half a mile from the whales, as I was slowing down, they would still intercept me.

I hailed them on the radio, saying I would keep coming. They acknowledged that I was not a private. The only whale watch vessel on my side of the animals called me on the radio and said I was welcome to come in ahead of him since our viewing is best from behind. So, I want to do just that, but Sound-watch is still blocking my viewing and path. Eventually, she moves in behind the orcas trailing them, allowing my passengers to view the orcas.

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”
Jacques Cousteau