Journey to Ulric Point

Today started early. Out on the boat at 6am, we traveled south on the way to Ulric Point, where I will be spending some time at a remote camp, used as a land based observation of Caamano Sound , on the lookout for whales that pass by. Ulric Point reported seeing orca blows by the Duckers, so along the way we kept on the lookout. From the sun’s morning glare, three orcas appeared, including the female G29, later identify by photo identification. When in the presence of whales, we keep a respectful distance, maintain speed and direction. If the whales choose to come closer it is their choice and that is what these beautiful orca did. They swam around the boat and then they would slip beneath the waves, disappearing for several minutes, our eyes scanning the surrounding water for some sign of them. The longer they are gone, the farther the distance your eyes begin to scan, but these orca were being playful and surprised us by surfacing right next to the boat and then riding in the wake. ID photos were taken then we continued on to Ulric Point. We had hoped to go over to Dupont & Glide Islands, as the large humpback feeding group was seen the day before, but no feeding calls were audible on the hydrophone. So a roundtrip was taken around Rennison. A very beautiful, rocky shoreline. A giant bull (male) Stellar sea lion was sunning himself on the rocks. Farther out several harbour seals were hauled out on a rocky islet, surrounded by kelp beds and giant rafts of floating Rhinoceros Auklets. A sea otter was spotted among the kelp, looking snug as the ocean swell gently rocking him, up and down. I was dropped off, along with my gear onto Ulric Point and given a tour of camp. This includes a natural clearing for a couple of tents, with giant cedar trees looming above--one cedar tree is HUGE and estimated to be 600-700 years old, truly magnificent. And out on the rocky shore, perched just above the high tide line, is the shelter, which serves as an observation platform of Caamano Sound, as well as office and kitchen. Electricity for the VHF radio and speakers for the hydrophone, comes from a solar panel on the rocks, which can moved to maximize sun exposure. The water supply is from some water jugs, that the local fishing lodge occasionally fills. A propane stove to cook our meals. The food stored in air tight, animal proof containers that are lifted by pulleys into the trees, high above the ground each night. And for an outhouse----endless miles of rocky shore, to be used below the high water mark and a lighter to burn the TP. This place will be an adventure.