Temperatures this weekend (June 27/28) called for aquatic adventures, so we packed our ocean kayaking gear for some Howe Sound exploring. Paddled around the north tip of Anvil Island to the norths side of Howe Sound and on to Gambier where we found a great little camp spot (OK, we actually had some beta from one of Pete's UWH buddies, thanks!). Nice hanging out in the shade of a big cedar tree in the morning. Had a late morning start and paddled down the eastern coast of Gambier when we were surprised by a humpback surfacing just behind us. Came up 20 meters from Pete! The whale didn't mind us kayakers and kept traveling close to shore. On the way back from the southern most tip of Gambier we stopped at Pam Rocks to visit the seals on our down wind/flood tide paddle back to Porteau Cove. Afternoon strong winds were predicted by the marine forecast but never materialized.
We even got to test some of our safety equipment (our pumps) when we came across a half sunken canoe and 5 kids in the water. They wanted to swim it back to the dock which was a couple of km back but we convinced them it would be easier to get it to shore (50 meters away) and empty it.
I emailed the whale sighting to the Cetacean Sightings Network (@Vancouver Aquarium) and received the following reply: "While we are not sure exactly why these animals are visiting Howe Sound more often, it may have to do with recovering forage fish stocks in the area, as the Sound continues to recover from historic industrial activity." --- Nice!
