Natural Beauty

Trying to describe the beauty of today would be near impossible. Some things you just have to see to believe and appreciate. Some things I do know - these little islands are quite magical and when we get the chance to commune quietly on a calm afternoon with the local wildlife, one might never be the same again...

Chin up:

L47 "Marina" brought her little six-week-old baby, L115, over to the boat this afternoon. The water was so calm you could see their entire bodies as they swam down the length of the boat. This is the closest look I've had at the newest member of the southern resident orca community this year. What a special and extraordinary experience! Here's little L115 rising to the surface:

Big breath for such a little body:

Then mom, L47 "Marina", took a breath. Look carefully and you will see the baby swimming next to her (the white smudge on the right...):

THEN L47 "Marina"'s grandson, L110 "Midnight", wanted to get in on the fun. The three of them fished behind the boat for several minutes:

After an spellbinding salmon chase, L47 "Marina", L110 "Midnight", and baby L115 travel off into the serenity of the Strait of Juan de Fuca: