December 14, 2009
Good afternoon from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
The first real snowfall this afternoon in Campbell River!
Crossing to Quadra Island on the ferry this afternoon we saw a large group of Transient Orca heading south. Not sure of the total number but somewhere between 6 and 8 (possibly more) with 2 young calves in the group. No camera (sorry no picture) or binuculars to figure out who they were but Jared Towers, a researcher from the Port Hardy area, had a similiar group a few days ago.
Lots of playful behavior along the Quadra shore line with a bit of foraging behavior but no signs of a meal. The Orca must be enjoying the "quietness" of the waterways at this time of the year as other than the ferry, there where no boats in sight!
I hope you get to spend some quality time with family over the Christams holidays.
The best of health and happiness in the New year!
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
December 6th, 2009
Good afternoon from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Beautiful day here in Campbell River but very cool next to the water!
Transient Orca seen today heading north in Discovery passage about 1:00 pm. What looked like a group of 6 animals with one small calf, grouped up together and heading north very quickly with the tide. Not sure who they were with only one mature male in the group. (no distinctive markings)
Word from Garret in the reasch vessel to the north of us, near the top of Vancouver Island. He had some Resident Orca, A36's (the 3 mature males) and A12, just north of Port Hardy heading south yesterday. What are the chances that we would see them later this week? Very slim but they may come into Johnstone Strait searching for some of those very late Chum Salmon that I hear are still heading towards their spawning rivers. The weather calls for colder temperatures and calm winds. Perfect for those wildlife enthusiasts or maybe just for some of those wonderful prawns I see coming in lately.
How all is well with the Christmas cheer. I can't believe it is getting so close already.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good afternoon from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Beautiful day here in Campbell River but very cool next to the water!
Transient Orca seen today heading north in Discovery passage about 1:00 pm. What looked like a group of 6 animals with one small calf, grouped up together and heading north very quickly with the tide. Not sure who they were with only one mature male in the group. (no distinctive markings)
Word from Garret in the reasch vessel to the north of us, near the top of Vancouver Island. He had some Resident Orca, A36's (the 3 mature males) and A12, just north of Port Hardy heading south yesterday. What are the chances that we would see them later this week? Very slim but they may come into Johnstone Strait searching for some of those very late Chum Salmon that I hear are still heading towards their spawning rivers. The weather calls for colder temperatures and calm winds. Perfect for those wildlife enthusiasts or maybe just for some of those wonderful prawns I see coming in lately.
How all is well with the Christmas cheer. I can't believe it is getting so close already.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Monday, November 23, 2009
November 23, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
The November storms have been living up to their name over the past few weeks and our Float house has been a'rocking! With record setting snowfall on the mountains and lots of wind and rain, it has not been a time to be out on the water looking for wildlife. Yesterday however in a brief interlude between storms, we had a visit from a group of Transient Orca (mammal hunting). Originally heading south past Campbell River, they turned and began to forage near the mouth of the River. One large male and 3 to 4 smaller fins were seen but I was not able to ID who they were. No visual signs of a kill but they foraged for about 5 minutes and then continued south.
Over the past few weeks we have had a number of Resident Orca (fish eating) in Johnstone Strait feeding on the few remaining Chum salmon in the area. The A36's and A30"s have been the most dominant groups but we did have a "G" Clan group in for a few days.
*Thanks to Jarred from "NIMSA" who braves the wind and rain to give us details of the Orca north of Campbell River.
Hoping you are all well and starting to think about Xmas shopping!
As for us, we are admiring the sheer power of these Pacific storms and trying to stay dry!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
The November storms have been living up to their name over the past few weeks and our Float house has been a'rocking! With record setting snowfall on the mountains and lots of wind and rain, it has not been a time to be out on the water looking for wildlife. Yesterday however in a brief interlude between storms, we had a visit from a group of Transient Orca (mammal hunting). Originally heading south past Campbell River, they turned and began to forage near the mouth of the River. One large male and 3 to 4 smaller fins were seen but I was not able to ID who they were. No visual signs of a kill but they foraged for about 5 minutes and then continued south.
Over the past few weeks we have had a number of Resident Orca (fish eating) in Johnstone Strait feeding on the few remaining Chum salmon in the area. The A36's and A30"s have been the most dominant groups but we did have a "G" Clan group in for a few days.
*Thanks to Jarred from "NIMSA" who braves the wind and rain to give us details of the Orca north of Campbell River.
Hoping you are all well and starting to think about Xmas shopping!
As for us, we are admiring the sheer power of these Pacific storms and trying to stay dry!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Year in Review
From the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
May 17th - 2009
With an afternoon falling tide flowing to the north, we found this beautiful brown coated Black Bear on Sonora Island around 2:30 pm. He was spending the afternoon searching for small, soft shelled rock crab under the rocks at low tide. He actually laid down in a seasonal stream to cool off in the warmth of a sunny May afternoon. This was one of about 5 to 7 bears that we continued to see throughout the summer on Sonora. The "brown coat" of this Black bear that is seen mainly on the mainland bears is quite common on this island.
We continued toward the mainland to Jimmy Judd Island where we found a group of male Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on the shore. Migrating north to met up with the salmon, these large mammals have traditional resting areas on their way. Jimmy Judd Island is one such area. They will spend 2 or 3 days resting, feeding and arguing over who has the "best" rock on which to spend the day. Stellar Sea lions can weight as much as 2500 lbs. The fellow in the picture is estimated at around 1500+ lbs.
After coffee and snacks at Stuart Island we headed home through the narrow passages between Sonora, Maurelle and Quadra Islands and picked up a few Dall Porpoises feeding in the tide near Owen Bay. Back to the marina by 5 pm and the 4 hour tour seemed to go by very quickly!
More reviews of 2009 to come!
Take care
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
From the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
May 17th - 2009
With an afternoon falling tide flowing to the north, we found this beautiful brown coated Black Bear on Sonora Island around 2:30 pm. He was spending the afternoon searching for small, soft shelled rock crab under the rocks at low tide. He actually laid down in a seasonal stream to cool off in the warmth of a sunny May afternoon. This was one of about 5 to 7 bears that we continued to see throughout the summer on Sonora. The "brown coat" of this Black bear that is seen mainly on the mainland bears is quite common on this island.
We continued toward the mainland to Jimmy Judd Island where we found a group of male Stellar Sea Lions hauled out on the shore. Migrating north to met up with the salmon, these large mammals have traditional resting areas on their way. Jimmy Judd Island is one such area. They will spend 2 or 3 days resting, feeding and arguing over who has the "best" rock on which to spend the day. Stellar Sea lions can weight as much as 2500 lbs. The fellow in the picture is estimated at around 1500+ lbs.
After coffee and snacks at Stuart Island we headed home through the narrow passages between Sonora, Maurelle and Quadra Islands and picked up a few Dall Porpoises feeding in the tide near Owen Bay. Back to the marina by 5 pm and the 4 hour tour seemed to go by very quickly!
More reviews of 2009 to come!
Take care
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Thursday, October 8, 2009
October 8th, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
The past few days have provided some excellent Grizzly Bear viewing at the Orford River in Bute Inlet. Sunny and warm for the most part, the last 3 days have produced a consistent number of bears (7 -10) feeding at towers 4 and 5. Each bear seems to have their own technique for catching fish, some far more successful than others. The picture attached is a middle aged male who we call the "Snorkeler" as he floats in the pool, finding his prey by looking under the water. (quite effective)
Yesterday our Grizzly tour had both Grizzlies and Orca as T20 and T21 (mammal hunting) were found traveling north at Race Point , just north of Campbell River. T20 made the day for our guests as he breached clear of the water just before we departed. We left them heading into Menzies Bay looking for a morning snack. On the way back from the Orford River, traveling south around Cape Mudge we ran into T20 and T21 again, difting in the tide near the Red Can.
Another few days before the wet weather begins. Hope you get out and enjoy the long weekend.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
The past few days have provided some excellent Grizzly Bear viewing at the Orford River in Bute Inlet. Sunny and warm for the most part, the last 3 days have produced a consistent number of bears (7 -10) feeding at towers 4 and 5. Each bear seems to have their own technique for catching fish, some far more successful than others. The picture attached is a middle aged male who we call the "Snorkeler" as he floats in the pool, finding his prey by looking under the water. (quite effective)
Yesterday our Grizzly tour had both Grizzlies and Orca as T20 and T21 (mammal hunting) were found traveling north at Race Point , just north of Campbell River. T20 made the day for our guests as he breached clear of the water just before we departed. We left them heading into Menzies Bay looking for a morning snack. On the way back from the Orford River, traveling south around Cape Mudge we ran into T20 and T21 again, difting in the tide near the Red Can.
Another few days before the wet weather begins. Hope you get out and enjoy the long weekend.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Monday, October 5, 2009
October 5, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday had a strange twist to the day! A group of Southern Resident Orca arrived from the north! The "L" Clan from the Victoria and San Juan Island area generally spend their winters in the northern waters of British Columbia. They use Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage as their route home in the spring, usually in late May or early June, but to see them here in October is very strange. I contacted some of the researchers in the Port Hardy area and they can't remember this ever happening.
Adding to this usual event was that the "L" Clan Orca were traveling with 2 groups of northern resident Orca, the A36's and A12's. We were unaware of this until the "A" Clan groups split off and travelled into Nodales Passage while the Southern group headed south, down Discovery Passage about 3:00 pm. We rarely see these 2 different groups in close proximity with each other. At one point we had the southern "L" Clan heading east, following the northern "A" Clan group along the Vancouver Island shore with T20 &T21(Transient Orca) heading west along West Thurlow, on the opposite shore line. Strange day indeed! (picture attached - note the "open" saddle patch, typical of the southern resident orca)
The Grizzly Bears in Bute Inlet continue to be wonderful and with this spectacular weather we have been having, the quality of light for pictures is superb. About 7 different bears yesterday although we only saw one fish caught and eaten. Hopefully not a trend!
Another beautiful week of sun shine ahead. Hope you have time to get out and enjoy it.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday had a strange twist to the day! A group of Southern Resident Orca arrived from the north! The "L" Clan from the Victoria and San Juan Island area generally spend their winters in the northern waters of British Columbia. They use Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage as their route home in the spring, usually in late May or early June, but to see them here in October is very strange. I contacted some of the researchers in the Port Hardy area and they can't remember this ever happening.
Adding to this usual event was that the "L" Clan Orca were traveling with 2 groups of northern resident Orca, the A36's and A12's. We were unaware of this until the "A" Clan groups split off and travelled into Nodales Passage while the Southern group headed south, down Discovery Passage about 3:00 pm. We rarely see these 2 different groups in close proximity with each other. At one point we had the southern "L" Clan heading east, following the northern "A" Clan group along the Vancouver Island shore with T20 &T21(Transient Orca) heading west along West Thurlow, on the opposite shore line. Strange day indeed! (picture attached - note the "open" saddle patch, typical of the southern resident orca)
The Grizzly Bears in Bute Inlet continue to be wonderful and with this spectacular weather we have been having, the quality of light for pictures is superb. About 7 different bears yesterday although we only saw one fish caught and eaten. Hopefully not a trend!
Another beautiful week of sun shine ahead. Hope you have time to get out and enjoy it.
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Saturday, October 3, 2009
October 3, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday morning we had more Transient Orca (Mammal hunting) in the area! By 9:00 a.m. they were traveling north past Painter's Lodge and as they entered Seymour Narrows around 10:00 a.m. they turned and began their way back south. We caught up with them at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 12:30 p.m. and enjoyed an hour of quiet time with the T2's and T20 and T21 as they made their way south.
We had heard that there had been a group of Dolphins in the area earlier but they had made a quick exit when the Transients had turned at the Narrows. After some searching we found them in the far corner of Gowland Harbour. This group of about 12+ seemed quite agitated and were racing around in very shallow water, first in one direction and then another with no indication of feed in the area. There didn't seem to be any Orca in the Harbour but perhaps the dolphins knew something we didn't. We stayed and watched for a few minutes but nothing materialized.
The Commercial gill net fishery is over with very few fish taken, however Green Sea Bay still produced well for some of the recreational boys yesterday. Commercial Trollers are still working hard and the big boys (Seiners) hit the water on Monday. Time to get your lines wet this weekend!
The sun is shining so get outside and enjoy!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday morning we had more Transient Orca (Mammal hunting) in the area! By 9:00 a.m. they were traveling north past Painter's Lodge and as they entered Seymour Narrows around 10:00 a.m. they turned and began their way back south. We caught up with them at Cape Mudge on Quadra Island at 12:30 p.m. and enjoyed an hour of quiet time with the T2's and T20 and T21 as they made their way south.
We had heard that there had been a group of Dolphins in the area earlier but they had made a quick exit when the Transients had turned at the Narrows. After some searching we found them in the far corner of Gowland Harbour. This group of about 12+ seemed quite agitated and were racing around in very shallow water, first in one direction and then another with no indication of feed in the area. There didn't seem to be any Orca in the Harbour but perhaps the dolphins knew something we didn't. We stayed and watched for a few minutes but nothing materialized.
The Commercial gill net fishery is over with very few fish taken, however Green Sea Bay still produced well for some of the recreational boys yesterday. Commercial Trollers are still working hard and the big boys (Seiners) hit the water on Monday. Time to get your lines wet this weekend!
The sun is shining so get outside and enjoy!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Friday, October 2, 2009
October 2, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour.
Things have been pretty quiet around the marina this week. The Orca are out there but very few people around to go out and find them.
Yesterday the Grizzly Tour was a little damp but the Grizzlies made our day!
We stopped off at Cyrus Rocks in Okissolo Channel for a short tour of the Salmon farm and then off to the Orford! The Grizzlies showed up pretty much as soon as we got there. We had 4 very nice, fihing, catching and eating Grizzlies for the good part of 90 minutes and then things went quiet for awhile. The picture attached shows one of the younger females' fishing technique. She chases the fish, jumps on it with all fours and then puts her head under the water and grabs the fish! Works every time!
One of the things that I haven't mentioned before was that the Orford River is a Chum and Coho River system, however this year with the tremendous number of Pink Salmon around, they have suddenly shown up in the Orford! The grizzlies are not complaining.
A few fish taken today but with the overcast skies, the Chum just were not biting. (Chum and sun = good fishing)
Hope you're making plans for the weekend as the weather looks good!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour.
Things have been pretty quiet around the marina this week. The Orca are out there but very few people around to go out and find them.
Yesterday the Grizzly Tour was a little damp but the Grizzlies made our day!
We stopped off at Cyrus Rocks in Okissolo Channel for a short tour of the Salmon farm and then off to the Orford! The Grizzlies showed up pretty much as soon as we got there. We had 4 very nice, fihing, catching and eating Grizzlies for the good part of 90 minutes and then things went quiet for awhile. The picture attached shows one of the younger females' fishing technique. She chases the fish, jumps on it with all fours and then puts her head under the water and grabs the fish! Works every time!
One of the things that I haven't mentioned before was that the Orford River is a Chum and Coho River system, however this year with the tremendous number of Pink Salmon around, they have suddenly shown up in the Orford! The grizzlies are not complaining.
A few fish taken today but with the overcast skies, the Chum just were not biting. (Chum and sun = good fishing)
Hope you're making plans for the weekend as the weather looks good!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Monday, September 28, 2009
September 29, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday there were no Whale Tours out of Campbell River but that didn't stop the Orca from creating excitment in the area. About 7:30 a.m. we had a report of T20 and T21 north Bound in Lewis Channel. While there were no Whale tours out our Grizzly group decided to see if they could find the whales on their way out but came up dry!
The Grizzlies, however, did not disappoint!
Between 6 -8 Grizzlies were seen today including this new male. (pic) He provided us with about 30 minutes of entertainment as he caught 3 fish, actually sitting on one in the water, pulling it out from behind his back, grabbing it by the head and eating it as he sat in the shallow waters of the Algard river.
I was not able to get any feedback from the fishing community yesterday so no results to report.
Sun shine and cool this morning and showers tonight. Looks as though another stretch of good weather is just around the corner so plan to be outside!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell river Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday there were no Whale Tours out of Campbell River but that didn't stop the Orca from creating excitment in the area. About 7:30 a.m. we had a report of T20 and T21 north Bound in Lewis Channel. While there were no Whale tours out our Grizzly group decided to see if they could find the whales on their way out but came up dry!
The Grizzlies, however, did not disappoint!
Between 6 -8 Grizzlies were seen today including this new male. (pic) He provided us with about 30 minutes of entertainment as he caught 3 fish, actually sitting on one in the water, pulling it out from behind his back, grabbing it by the head and eating it as he sat in the shallow waters of the Algard river.
I was not able to get any feedback from the fishing community yesterday so no results to report.
Sun shine and cool this morning and showers tonight. Looks as though another stretch of good weather is just around the corner so plan to be outside!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell river Whale Watching
September 28, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday morning we had Transient Orca in the kelp bed at Willow Point (T20 & T21) and about 14 other Transient Orca (T101,& 101b T2's and many others) between the south end of Quadra and Cortez Island. The mob of fun loving, spy hoping, tail flapping Orca near Cortez were the most active group. The social behavior of these mammals is usually low key but in the past week it has been "party time / love-in with lots of vocals and displays by males, both young and old. (Pic attached) With the water calm and the morning sun on the water, our guests got some amazing pictures.
The Grizzlies at the Orford River maintained their morning fishing ritual and came out for another day of "catch and eat" yesterday morning. The number of bears we are seeing each day seems to be consistent at around 8 - 10 in this lower part of the river. (about 4 km up from the estuary) Grizzly viewing is just spectacular at this time of the year! (we still see people attempting to view bears at the mouth of the river and there just aren't any, especially at high tide like it has been the few days. In fact if you are planning to go Grizzly viewing, the only quality viewing is done at the viewing stands about 4 km+ up the river)
The Chum Salmon are beginning to make their mark on the dock however we are far from the main flow. The bright days are helping this fishery and with a few nice sized Coho and late run Chinook in the mix, fishing out there is quite exciting!
Beautiful sun rise this morning with calm seas forecasted however it looks as though we'll have showers later on this afternoon and into tomorrow.
Hope you have a productive day at whatever it is you are up to!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday morning we had Transient Orca in the kelp bed at Willow Point (T20 & T21) and about 14 other Transient Orca (T101,& 101b T2's and many others) between the south end of Quadra and Cortez Island. The mob of fun loving, spy hoping, tail flapping Orca near Cortez were the most active group. The social behavior of these mammals is usually low key but in the past week it has been "party time / love-in with lots of vocals and displays by males, both young and old. (Pic attached) With the water calm and the morning sun on the water, our guests got some amazing pictures.
The Grizzlies at the Orford River maintained their morning fishing ritual and came out for another day of "catch and eat" yesterday morning. The number of bears we are seeing each day seems to be consistent at around 8 - 10 in this lower part of the river. (about 4 km up from the estuary) Grizzly viewing is just spectacular at this time of the year! (we still see people attempting to view bears at the mouth of the river and there just aren't any, especially at high tide like it has been the few days. In fact if you are planning to go Grizzly viewing, the only quality viewing is done at the viewing stands about 4 km+ up the river)
The Chum Salmon are beginning to make their mark on the dock however we are far from the main flow. The bright days are helping this fishery and with a few nice sized Coho and late run Chinook in the mix, fishing out there is quite exciting!
Beautiful sun rise this morning with calm seas forecasted however it looks as though we'll have showers later on this afternoon and into tomorrow.
Hope you have a productive day at whatever it is you are up to!
Cheers
Hurricane Jack
Campbell River Whale Watching
Sunday, September 27, 2009
September 27th, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday was clear and warm but a bit on the blustery side. The Orca from yesterday were found in Okissolo Passage heading west about noon. These 3 Transient Orca didn't stop to feed but kept a steady speed of about 4 knots, obviously with a destination in mind.
Our Grizzly tour was again fabulous with a continous procession of Grizzlies by the viewing platforms. Attached picture of a young male with his catch of the day (Chum Salmon). it was difficult to judge just how many bear we saw as some come back to this feeding area more than once over the 3 hours we are there but probably between 6 and 9 Grizzlies yesterday. On the way home from the river we were about 30 minutes behind the Transient Orca in Okissolo but the wind and wave height made it impossible to find them in Johnstone Strait.
Fishing yesterday was disappointing as most of the boats had to hide out in small bays and inlets out of the wind and very few fish were caught.
Oh, what a difference a day makes ! Today looks warm with calm seas! Early reports of Orca at the south end of Quadra ! Perhaps our Transients are back!
Hope to see you out there!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbel River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday was clear and warm but a bit on the blustery side. The Orca from yesterday were found in Okissolo Passage heading west about noon. These 3 Transient Orca didn't stop to feed but kept a steady speed of about 4 knots, obviously with a destination in mind.
Our Grizzly tour was again fabulous with a continous procession of Grizzlies by the viewing platforms. Attached picture of a young male with his catch of the day (Chum Salmon). it was difficult to judge just how many bear we saw as some come back to this feeding area more than once over the 3 hours we are there but probably between 6 and 9 Grizzlies yesterday. On the way home from the river we were about 30 minutes behind the Transient Orca in Okissolo but the wind and wave height made it impossible to find them in Johnstone Strait.
Fishing yesterday was disappointing as most of the boats had to hide out in small bays and inlets out of the wind and very few fish were caught.
Oh, what a difference a day makes ! Today looks warm with calm seas! Early reports of Orca at the south end of Quadra ! Perhaps our Transients are back!
Hope to see you out there!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbel River Whale Watching
Saturday, September 26, 2009
September 26th, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday we didn't do a Whale Watch, instead we left at noon with a group that wanted a shorter tour with the chance of Orca. By 2:00 p.m. we were with a group of about 150 Pacific White Sided Dolphin near Kelsey Bay. (pic attached) These energetic mammals just oozed with excitment as they foraged back and forth from Hardwick Island to the Vancouver Island shoreline. Warm afternoon sunshine and calm water made for excellent pictures.
No Black Bears for us on the way back but we heard there was a Humpback heading east a little farther up Johnstone Strait. Perhaps we will see him on our trip today!
The Grizzly Bears were fabulous again yesterday. One guest had a great video of a confrontation between 2 Grizzly sows near the base of tower # 5, (where we were) as they quarrelled over a large Chum Salmon. We stayed at tower # 5 for the entire 3 hours and saw no less than 10 different bears fishing or just checking out the area. Happy campers all around!
Fishing in the Passage was good early in the morning at Green Sea Bay with Chinook, Chum and some nice hatchery Coho taken. The afternoon was not very productive although, Absolute Fishing Charters picked up a nice Chinook and Coho at Browns Bay when everyone else was fishing Plumper!
Today I'm out on the Grizzly Tour and "Lady Hawk" has the Whale Tour. Hope to have some more pictures for you by tonight! Enjoy the sunshine this weekend as showers are here Monday!
Take care
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday we didn't do a Whale Watch, instead we left at noon with a group that wanted a shorter tour with the chance of Orca. By 2:00 p.m. we were with a group of about 150 Pacific White Sided Dolphin near Kelsey Bay. (pic attached) These energetic mammals just oozed with excitment as they foraged back and forth from Hardwick Island to the Vancouver Island shoreline. Warm afternoon sunshine and calm water made for excellent pictures.
No Black Bears for us on the way back but we heard there was a Humpback heading east a little farther up Johnstone Strait. Perhaps we will see him on our trip today!
The Grizzly Bears were fabulous again yesterday. One guest had a great video of a confrontation between 2 Grizzly sows near the base of tower # 5, (where we were) as they quarrelled over a large Chum Salmon. We stayed at tower # 5 for the entire 3 hours and saw no less than 10 different bears fishing or just checking out the area. Happy campers all around!
Fishing in the Passage was good early in the morning at Green Sea Bay with Chinook, Chum and some nice hatchery Coho taken. The afternoon was not very productive although, Absolute Fishing Charters picked up a nice Chinook and Coho at Browns Bay when everyone else was fishing Plumper!
Today I'm out on the Grizzly Tour and "Lady Hawk" has the Whale Tour. Hope to have some more pictures for you by tonight! Enjoy the sunshine this weekend as showers are here Monday!
Take care
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
Friday, September 25, 2009
September 25, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday it was tough for Whale Watchers from Campbell River to Port Hardy! The Transient Orca from the previous day had disappeared to the south and all the Resident Orca were so far west that even Bill from MacKay Whale Watching in Port McNeil, came south to look for Orca.
We picked up some very playful Dolphin in choppy waters off Okissolo Channel at about 11:00 am, about 20 Sea Lions resting on the rocks at Jimmy Judd and playful Dalls Porpoise in Lewis Channel but no Orca!
On the Grizzly front, it was a banner day! Grizzlies on the estuary when we arrived at the Orford River, Grizzlies waiting for us at both tower 4 and 5 when we arrived and when we left we had Grizzlies walking down the road in front of the Van! The good news is that the females are getting very large (fat) and look extremely health. We watched one female catch 2 fish in 10 minutes. While there are still no cubs in sight it appears as though these females, if pregnant will have enough reserves to take them and their offspring through the winter.
Fishing was unusually slow yesterday with only a few fish brought back to the dock. Hopefully today will see some improvement. A few Chum Salmon have arrived but the main flow is still a few weeks off. Perhaps that is where the Resident Orca are, chowing down on the Chum far to the west of Campbell River.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday it was tough for Whale Watchers from Campbell River to Port Hardy! The Transient Orca from the previous day had disappeared to the south and all the Resident Orca were so far west that even Bill from MacKay Whale Watching in Port McNeil, came south to look for Orca.
We picked up some very playful Dolphin in choppy waters off Okissolo Channel at about 11:00 am, about 20 Sea Lions resting on the rocks at Jimmy Judd and playful Dalls Porpoise in Lewis Channel but no Orca!
On the Grizzly front, it was a banner day! Grizzlies on the estuary when we arrived at the Orford River, Grizzlies waiting for us at both tower 4 and 5 when we arrived and when we left we had Grizzlies walking down the road in front of the Van! The good news is that the females are getting very large (fat) and look extremely health. We watched one female catch 2 fish in 10 minutes. While there are still no cubs in sight it appears as though these females, if pregnant will have enough reserves to take them and their offspring through the winter.
Fishing was unusually slow yesterday with only a few fish brought back to the dock. Hopefully today will see some improvement. A few Chum Salmon have arrived but the main flow is still a few weeks off. Perhaps that is where the Resident Orca are, chowing down on the Chum far to the west of Campbell River.
Enjoy the sunshine!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Campbell River Whale Watching
September 24, 2009
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday was a repeat of the last week, warm weather, calm seas with lots of Orca close to home and hungry Grizzlies at the Orford River.
The Grizzly tour group were the first to see the Orca on their way in to Bute Inlet yesterday. They picked them up at Marina Island, heading south. By the time our Whale Watch group got there the Orca were at the south end of Cortez Island still heading south. These Transients were the same group as the previous day, numbering about 12 and not really doing anything except frolicking with each other. The water was very calm, ideal for pictures and very good for listening to the vocalizations of the group. Transients don't usually vocalize that much but yesterday it sounded like a party! We left the group drifting slowly south at Mitlenatch Island and headed for lunch at the newly renovated Gorge Harbour Marina. If you haven't seen the changes, you would be amazed! We sat around the fire pit and enjoyed our lunch and good conversations about those amazing Orca! Up to Dent Island for a group of playful Dall Porpoises and one Black Bear on Vancouver Island as we made our way home topped the day off.
Yesterday the Grizzlies beat this years record for the number of bears as well as the amount of time we had bears around us. Once we arrived at the Orford River we had 2 bears in the Estuary, another on the road as we drove up to tower # 5. Once at tower # 5, we had a continuous procession of Grizzlies feeding (primarily on dead fish) or fishing the entire 3 hours. What a day!
(picture of one of the boys with a well seasoned Chum Salmon)
Fishing has been picking up in the last few days with more hatchery Coho hitting the dock and recently, a few nice Chum Salmon as well. All of the fish are coming on the flood tide, either in the early morning or late afternoon. The ebb tide is a tough fish right now!
A liitle cooler today but the sun is shining and the Orca are out there somewhere. Hope to see you soon!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
Good morning from the Float House in Discovery Harbour Marina
Yesterday was a repeat of the last week, warm weather, calm seas with lots of Orca close to home and hungry Grizzlies at the Orford River.
The Grizzly tour group were the first to see the Orca on their way in to Bute Inlet yesterday. They picked them up at Marina Island, heading south. By the time our Whale Watch group got there the Orca were at the south end of Cortez Island still heading south. These Transients were the same group as the previous day, numbering about 12 and not really doing anything except frolicking with each other. The water was very calm, ideal for pictures and very good for listening to the vocalizations of the group. Transients don't usually vocalize that much but yesterday it sounded like a party! We left the group drifting slowly south at Mitlenatch Island and headed for lunch at the newly renovated Gorge Harbour Marina. If you haven't seen the changes, you would be amazed! We sat around the fire pit and enjoyed our lunch and good conversations about those amazing Orca! Up to Dent Island for a group of playful Dall Porpoises and one Black Bear on Vancouver Island as we made our way home topped the day off.
Yesterday the Grizzlies beat this years record for the number of bears as well as the amount of time we had bears around us. Once we arrived at the Orford River we had 2 bears in the Estuary, another on the road as we drove up to tower # 5. Once at tower # 5, we had a continuous procession of Grizzlies feeding (primarily on dead fish) or fishing the entire 3 hours. What a day!
(picture of one of the boys with a well seasoned Chum Salmon)
Fishing has been picking up in the last few days with more hatchery Coho hitting the dock and recently, a few nice Chum Salmon as well. All of the fish are coming on the flood tide, either in the early morning or late afternoon. The ebb tide is a tough fish right now!
A liitle cooler today but the sun is shining and the Orca are out there somewhere. Hope to see you soon!
Cheers
Jack
Hurricane Jack Adventures
Campbell River Whale Watching
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