There had been reports of a large group of humpback whales near the north end of Gil Island. We decided to make it an early start so by 6am, just before sunrise, we were on the water and traveling north. There was a thick haze that covered the mountains, most likely blown in from the mainland fires. We have not had rain now for weeks and the danger of fire is a constant threat. Just as we rounded Fawcett point I looked to the east. The sun was just beginning to peak over Princess Royal Island, a ball of red fire that turned this smoky haze into a wonderment of colors. I stopped the boat as this sight was so unusual and quite simply took my breath away . Seconds later there was a blow, a mom and calf humpback were just 100 meters away. Even their tall misty blows were a part of mirage of soft yellows and pinks, their backs shining black while everything else remained a soft glow of pure gold. Soon they were beside the boat, the mother arching her back and in anticipation we waited as her tail lifted just high enough so we could identify her. It was PS, which stands for pectoral slapper. The first time we  saw her she displayed her pectorals for hours so the name seemed fitting.

This morning she was completely relaxed, her little one tight to her side. This calf is smaller than most that we see at this time of the year; we hope that by November when they begin the migration south this whale will have put on more weight. After 30 minutes we decided to continue north as instinct told us this was going to be a long day. How right we were. By 11am we had already identified 15 humpback whales. Most were what we refer to as seasonal residents but there were a few we had never seen before. We made a quick stop in Hartley Bay to pick up groceries that had arrived by ferry from Prince Rupert, then continued on. The next group of whales were floating on the surface, fast asleep. We shut off the motor and waited; we did not want to disturb them. This was a good time to have lunch as these 3 whales logged on the water, taking a breath every couple of minutes. In the distance we could see another group of 3 to 5 whales so decided to travel slowly towards this active group. Just as I started up the engine I heard a deep inhalation, the sleeping three had just woke up and together were taking a powerful dive as one. This could only mean one thing, they were all about to breach! Seconds later, as in slow motion, their massive bodies exploded  through the oceans surface. They twisted airborne, pectorals by their side imitating the wings of large bird, then falling, sideways, back to the water that cradled their 45 tons of weight. We stood there, stunned by such energy, when suddenly it was all happening all over again. As hard as it was to leave this group we could see so many more blows and whales to ID. By the end of this glorious day we had identified over 30 humpback whales in Squally channel!