This week’s rainy conditions hardly slowed us down. We had some great trips with fabulous wildlife sightings.
Although it seems as if Black bears do not like the rain much, they do have to come out to look for food ….. like this soggy bear who roamed the pebbly beach in Ucluelet Inlet the last two days. This Bald Eagle didn’t look all that pleased about being wet either. Luckily the guests aboard our boat looked a lot happier!
We are now open for the season and have done a few trips. We have been seeing lots of creatures: A bigger California sea lion colony than we have seen in years, there are some Gray whales and the odd Humpback around. A sea otter is hanging around the mouth of the harbor, we’ve seen a momma bear with her cub and at this time of year we always see lots of eagles, Steller sea lions and seals. It feels great to be cruisin’ in the Broken Group again!
After a few days of blustery conditions the sea finally calmed down enough for us to take the Raincoast Maiden down the West Coast of Vancouver Island to Sidney, near Victoria. We got here two days ago and are excited to have started working on getting the boat ready for the upcoming season. The Raincoast Maiden may be a pretty lady but she does demand a fair dose of TLC to keep her looking good – which is exactly what we’ll be up to in the next few weeks!
We are now closed for the season. 2012 was a great year for weather and wildlife sightings. We would like to thank everyone came out with us and also those of you who sent business our way. We are already looking forward to next year’s season which will start in May 2013.
Although it is late in the season, we have been seeing lots of whales on our tours in October. Once day this week we saw 14 – including this active humpback!!
We are thrilled to have been included in Trip Advisor’s 2012 list of “10 Great Wildlife Tours” in the world. Thanks to all our guests who have written in for your kind reviews. Without your help this would not have been possible. We really appreciate it!
To see the complete list, please click this link: Trp Advisor’s List of 10 Great Wildlife Tours in the World
Last night’s evening charter. Not only was it glorious evening for viewing the spectacular scenery in the evening light but we also saw whales, bears, sea lions, seals, eagles and various types of sea birds.
We LOVE the new enclosure on the upper deck of the Raincoast Maiden! It is clear as glass and makes it that much easier to see the spectacular scenery and wildlife of Barkley Sound and the Broken Group Islands.
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!
As we look back on 2011 we are certain that we are not the only ones who will not forget September 17th! While anchored for lunch in a beautiful cove in the Broken Group Islands, one of our guests dropped to his knees and proposed to his lovely girlfriend of several years. Luckily the unsuspecting bride-to-be said yes – much to the joy of all aboard. Congratulations Joost and Caroline! We wish you all the best and are happy you chose our tour for this special occasion. This was definitely a highlight of our 2011 season!
