05.02.2022
A FULL day.
From the get go our expedition was adventure packed! As we ventured out around the marina rock wall, some of our passengers faces looked slightly nervous. The initial excitement was turning into a full blown “what am I doing?!” moment. The forecast for big swell was well advertised but there is nothing that can prepare you for what it is actually going to be like. Our vessel, the Alison-Marree is well equipped for whatever the Southern Ocean throws at her.
By midday our passengers had their sea-legs and were able to move back and forth with ease. The initial fear of going offshore twenty four nautical miles and barely able to see land was replaced with ecstatic enchantment! The southern ocean had worked her magic and we had passengers wanting to be on the bow with the salt spray in their face and warm air in their hair! True adventurers.
With our stern to the wind we motored back home, the adrenaline having worn off and replaced with passengers dreaming about the huge adventure they have just been on.
We were with orca all day, from the moment we entered the hotspot til the moment we left. We were able to witness a wide variety of behaviour. This included foraging with Hookfin and Chalky, surging with Shredder, watching the three under three goof around, and an active hunt with Cookie and El Notcho.
The goofing off behaviour was by far a highlight! The three calves with their orange hues, all belonging to Split Tip’s pod were rolling, pushing, surfing and acting out. The sub-adult who appeared to be the only ‘sensible’ one was letting them tear around and under our vessel!
We could see the distinct patchy skin pigmentation of one calf as it practically surfaced and sat stationary right on our bow!! This patchy colouration may be due to an excess of bacteria shedding off or even from a sudden growth spurt. Either way they all look very healthy and kept us smiling and laughing for hours
!
