I Wish to Go… Whale Watching! Make-A-Wish Foundation Grants its 4,000th Wish

Charles William Bebe, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Dr. Eugenie Clark. Chances are that you may have heard of one of these famous marine biologists; however, four-year-old wish kid Colin knows them all.
Although he isn’t even in kindergarten yet, this energetic little guy is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to all things under the sea. Diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at 15 months old, his love of whales and marine life started at the age of two. At that time, he was already teaching his mom, Kellie, about whale sharks and sea life. Initially, she thought he was just talking about creatures that he had imagined. But it wasn’t long before she realized that he was actually stating fact, not fiction. "When he tells me something about sea life now, I believe him," said Kellie. 
It’s that love of the ocean that influenced Colin’s decision to go whale watching for his wish (our chapter’s 4,000th wish granted!).
After much anticipation—Colin would ask each and every day if today was his wish day—his magical day finally arrived. The minute he stepped off the ferry, Colin said it best when he exclaimed, "Let the games begin!" From that moment he was catapulted into celebrity status as flyers with his name, picture and wish story had been posted throughout the town. Everywhere he went, people stopped to give him the royal treatment. That VIP status continued aboard the boat when he was given a special proclamation on behalf of the Mayor, who declared it Colin’s Wish Day in Friday Harbor. Soon thereafter, his excitement peaked as the whale watching ensued aboard the San Juan Excursion’s flagship boat, "The Odyssey."
While out to sea, he and his family saw a pod of 19 orca whales, harbor seals, a bald eagle, sea lions and even two rare Minke whales.
This special day ended with a trip to the Whale Museum and a visit to the beach. Colin was as happy as a clam—or perhaps a whale!
For 23 years, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has had the privilege and honor of granting the heartfelt wishes of many children like Colin throughout our community. We’re proud that Colin’s wish marks our 4,000th wish granted and are so thankful to our community for its continued support.

Special thanks: Volunteers Kerry & Emily Volland and Susan Boothe
Thank you: San Juan Excursions, Friday Harbor Mayor David Jones, Council Woman Carrie Brooks
Video courtesy of TriFilm Productions
Photos courtesy of Suzanne Fogarty Photography 2009

Minke Whale

K Pod members

June 26

 A special day as we were privileged to have 4 year old Colin, his family, supporters, and the Make-a-Wish Foundation aboard. Colin had become fascinated with Orcas that he saw in the ocean scenes at the hospital he has spent many days at in the last 2 1/2 years. Hopes were high as we headed west of Salmon Bank. We were all delighted to watch K-11, K-13, K-25, K-27, K-34, K-20, and K-38, from 2:10pm until 3pm, in close family groups foraging as they headed northwest toward Eagle Cove, and two groups of other whales along the shoreline. It was that wonderful time of slack ebb tide, calm water, great visibility, sunshine, and hearing the powerful blows of the whales carry across the water as they swam past. We were all so happy Colin got his wish, when we came across two Minke whales foraging at Salmon Bank! The first Minke looked like an adult, the second a juvenile with a very curvy-hooked dorsal fin and a small white spot on the left flank. Both whales surfaced more often than we normally see, and close distance to each surfacing, so not so elusive and everyone saw them, along with rafts of marine birds! Topped off the trip with Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, Oystercatchers, harbor seal sightings at Long island and Whale Rocks, and harbor porpoise in San Juan Channel. A truly magical trip and the diversity of wildlife a reminder of what a unique place is the Salish Sea, an honor to share and experience through visitors eyes!

Caroline Armon, San Juan Excursions

June is Orca Awareness Month. Here are some websites you can visit for more information about the Orca Whales and this months activities.

www.orcanetwork.org

www.wildsalmon.org

We got word that J Pod was south of San Juan Island, so we headed out  through Cattle Pass.  Along the way we saw two bald eagles soaring above the tree line.  There was a lot of current happening in the pass, but the Odyssey cut right through it.  Almost as soon as we got out of the pass, there were the leaders.  J-1 and J-2, as usual, along with J-8.  We let them pass and shortly after, the rest of J Pod passed us by.  They were definitely in travel mode, cruising along at 6 knots.  The new calves looked like they were swimming so fast to keep up!  After letting the whales pass by we went looking for more wildlife.  We found an eagle’s nest on Long Island and although there wasn’t an eagle in the nest, one did land on a nearby tree as we were watching.  On our way back in to Friday Harbor we saw a bunch of harbor seals hauled out on the rocks sunning themselves and there was even a Steller sea lion hanging out on Whale Rocks.  What a great day!  The sun was out, there was lots of wildlife and we didn’t have to go far to find it all.  If every day was like this you wouldn’t hear me complain. Captain Pete

Beautiful Pod

J pod was close-in today, near Speiden Island and Turn Point. The seas were smooth and easy riding, reflecting the sun like glass. The whales were especially active with one flipping onto its backside and tail lobbing several times. Since members of K pod were accompanying J pod (and residents only mate outside of their pod to prevent inbreeding), we theorize that this was part of a mating dance.

We had a great weekend on the water. The sun was shining and the wildlife was abundant. We even got to see the newest member of J-pod, J-45! (you can see him on the left hand side of the photo….)

We had a wonderful trip yesterday afternoon.  We got very exciting news in the morning that our resident orca whales were coming back in from the Pacific.  The wind was blowing a bit but we were dry and comfortable on the “Odyssey”  while viewing J-pod in Haro Strait.  It sure was nice to have our residents back in the area after being gone for such a long time. We also spotted a few  bald eagles and a couple of harbor porpoise.  There were reports that the whales split into two groups, with one headed south.  That group may include members of K and L pods.  We should know more today.  Welcome back residents.

Just days away from the start of May, we look forward to seeing the abundant wildlife that surrounds the San Juan Islands. Spring in the San Juan’s is one of my favorite times of year. While on the crisp, flat water we have the pleasure of viewing Steller sea lions hauled out, harbor seals playing, harbor porpoise swimming, bald eagles soaring, purple sea stars hugging the docks and orca whales teaching their babies to hunt and feed on the local fish and marine life. Spring in the San Juan’s has a relaxing atmosphere and an energy that is refreshing and rejuvenating. Come experience it for yourself…..

Erin A.