May 17, 2004
The Luna Stewardship crew just got back from a road trip to the American and Canadian whale museums. A great trip across the San Juan Islands with views of Steller sea Loins and harbour porpoises. Upon arrival at Friday Harbour we were greeted by Erin O'Connell and Kari Koski from Soundwatch. We all went for a fabulous lunch of curry and noodles. At the Whale Museum we met with David Howatt and Dr. Richard Osborne. After the meeting, on our war to the Center for Whale Research, we were graced with the presence of J pod. A baby was still pink and breaching lots. There were blows all around us. We then headed north the next day with a stop into Vancouver. The Bones Project at the Killer Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove were grateful for delivery of whale-watch guideline brochures. We stayed at the campsite and had a relaxing day at the beach. The next morning we were blessed with the presence of over 200 eagles. They seem to be flying the heat waves from large wood chip piles. Next we went to Port McNeil to have lunch with Jared Towers and his girlfriend Erin. After fueling up for the road we headed to Gold River to met with the Mowachaht-Muchalaht First Nation Chief Mike Maquinna and give him First Nation Luna respect campaign T-shirts (Esa/wkuuqwit Kakawin - Respect Killer whale) and guideline brochures. We tooklots of photos of black bears grazing on the estuary grasses. There was lots of fish-farm equipment was being loaded into Nootka Sound. Luna was reported Grant, from Air Nootka, to be by himself in a regular spot up the Inlet.