Dillon Bay on Fire: Summer Storm, Orca Watch, and Firefighting Brilliance
08.01.2022
Stormy Beginnings: Dillon Bay on Fire
With the summer storm cracking lightning onto the Dillon Bay Area, the township of Bremer and its surrounding farmlands have been under a Watch and Act Fire warning. Initially, the wind was a major threat, but as the weekend progressed, it became our saviour—dispersing smoke and redirecting flames. In the midst of this chaos, nature was literally on fire with raw energy.
Wildlife Action at the Hotspot
This morning, activity at the hotspot was few and far between. With keen eyes scanning the water, we only caught fleeting glimpses of marine life. A raft of seabirds provided unexpected entertainment by pecking at a half-eaten, deep-sea green-eyed shark. They struggled to pull off pieces, drop them, and then duck-dive to retrieve the morsels—a scene that added a quirky charm to a landscape that was very much on fire.
Unforgettable Orca Encounters
Our passengers’ patience was rewarded with an exceptional interaction with El Notcho and his family. The orcas surfaced right on our bow, moving in what felt like slow motion. Oreo, one of the orcas, deviated from the group for a closer inspection, making the encounter a standout moment of our orca watch. Later in the afternoon, a sudden surge from the orcas nearly led the crew to believe a kill was imminent. However, with no prey in sight, they returned to a relaxed cruise mode.
Nature on Fire: The Power of Wind and Firefighters
The return journey offered a spectacular finale. As we headed home, easterly winds blew the fire back on itself, while firefighters conducted back-burning operations to control the blaze. With the immediate threat receding, we could fully appreciate the enormous scale and ferocity of the fire—an awe-inspiring reminder that the landscape was quite literally on fire.
Conclusion: A Day of Spectacular Chaos and Beauty
Today was a day of contrasts—a normal land day transformed into an extraordinary marine adventure. From the storm and lightning to the rare orca watch and dramatic fire management, every moment was a blend of natural chaos and beauty. The combined elements reminded us that sometimes, the world around us is quite literally on fire. We left with unforgettable memories and a deeper respect for nature’s raw power.
Until our next adventure, stay safe and keep watching the horizon.
