On July 3rd, L pod exited the area through the Strait of Juan De Fuca, while J and K pod stuck around. Aboard the Odyssey of San Juan Excursions the next day, we hung out with the J17, K12, and K13 matrilines on the West side of San Juan Island as they foraged and socialized. At one point, Tahlequah J35, her son Notch J47, Saturna K43, and another unidentified K pod member came together. The four of them rolled around, touched, cuddled, peeked above the surface and tail slapped in unison, and even made some above water vocalizations!
Polaris J28, born in 1993.
Tahlequah J35 spy hops. She was born in 1998.
Saturna K43, Notch J47, and Tahlequah J35 poke their heads out of the water during their cuddle session.
 Double. . . |  . . .tail slap! |
Cuddles!
I have not seen the orcas so tactile in a long time! It was a very special moment for us all. The next day would be my most amazing superpod encounter to date.
Please don't use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
Please don't use my photos without permission. Just ask :)
