Starting Point
Port McNeil on the evening of my arrival
Guardian
A Great Blue Heron on a very convenient perch overlooking the Port McNeil marina on a very wet morning before sunrise.
Squall
Our first day on the water had the chef throwing up over the side and has us all running for shelter at Port Hardy. This is a shot off the stern before we turned back.
Singleton
The poor conditions prevented us from visiting the main areas where Sea Otters congregate, we ran into this guy during our retreat to Port Hardy.
On the kill
A Bald Eagle picks apart a gull on a ledge overlooking the area where we found the Sea Otter.
A Yawn in the rain
Meanwhile our Sea Otter is getting a bit bored.
Snack time
After diving our Sea Otter surfaces with a crab to eat.
Morning swim
After spending our first night sheltering at Port Hardy we awoke to find another Sea Otter of the same mind.
First Sea Lion
Our first encounter with Stellar Sea Lions looked like it was going to be a relatively peaceful experience.
Sea Lions
As we rounded the point we caused great curiosity amongst the sea lions
Breaking ranks
Sea Lions, nervous of our presence, dive into the water
Causing a splash
More sea lions decide to take to the water
Group dive
Sea Lions caused a great commotion as they dove into the water.
Stay or go
Still some decisions to be made about hitting the water.
Chumps
Those that held their ground take on a superior look as the others return to the haul out.
Gulls and whales
Where gulls congregate whales are sure to follow, like this Humpback feeding while holding its mouth open to gather food.
Evening cruise
Our cruise to the evening mooring, shipping, scenery, and whales.
Humpback
A Humpback whale in the scenery during our cruise to the evening mooring place.
Heron on Kelp
A Great Blue Heron using a raft of kelp to fish from.
Catch of the day
A Bald Eagle takes flight firmly holding it's catch.
Balancing Act
This seal looks very comfortable balancing on this rock.
Keeping Company
Our lone balancing seal was joined by another.
Fishing line
A line of sea birds fishing on the edge of rough waters in Johnson Straight, it must have been over a km long.
Taking interest
This group of sea lions took some interest in us as we went by in the zodiac.
