Humpback All Around
There was no Orca around us today, but we did see many Humpback Whales off of Victoria, BC. We experienced Humpback all around, and Lions Mane Jellyfish to view.
Lions Mane Jellyfish
We also saw Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, and an unusual Jellyfish at least for me. I often see Moon Jellyfish and Egg Yolk Jellyfish, but this was a new sight for me. “Jellies” are a part of the subphylum Medusozoa family. I once was on a dive during the migration of thousands of Moon Jellyfish. It was amazing
The Jellyfish was all red with a deep-hued mass of tentacles. I learned by a little research. These are Lions Mane Jellyfish. They can reach 10′ across at the dome in the cold Arctic waters but are much smaller the further south they are found and rarely seen below the 42nd Parallel of Latitude. We are at the 48th Latitude seeing this guy. Today is the first time that I ever recall seeing a Lions Mane Jelly. For a look at another Jellyfish in our Salish Sea check this link to see an Egg Yolk Jellyfish.
Lots of Fluking
The Humpbacks were showing plenty of flukes, but I was never in the right place to get an ID shot. Looking around I could see blows in the distance in most directions.
Mirage Effect
The weather and water conditions were gorgeous makings for a great boat ride. Today was one of those days we could see Mt. Rainier and the heat waves shimmering on the horizon. There are times when the mirage effect makes it look like the beaches are hundreds of feet tall. It makes vessels seem very tall too.
Lots of sea life and memories of a day with Humpback all around, and Lions Mane Jellyfish. The Orca stayed out of sight today but there is so much marine life in the Salish Sea that it is never a bust.
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