Last Updated 05/30/98

Living on the Kitsap Peninsula means that the easiest mod of transportation over to the Seattle area is by Washington State Ferry. This would be a typical view from the ferry.

Last fall two pods of Orca's (Killer Whales) followed a salmon run into Dyes Inlet which is between Bremerton and Silverdale Washington. This area is located on the Kitsap Peninsula. These two pods represented approximately 39 individuals. After about a week one of the pods departed. However, the second pod numbering some 19 individuals stayed in the inlet for about three weeks much to the pleasure of the local people. The oldest female was said to be about 50+ years old and some of the youngsters born last season. The first photo shows an adult and two juveniles swimming between a group of kayaks and a small power boat. The main dorsal fin of the adult looks to be about 6' high. The second picture is of a young Orca surfacing just off the bow of the Easy III. I made many trips during the three weeks to take different friends and family members for a "look see". The boats that came to view the Orcas were too aggressive the first week or so but settled down to be good neighbors after much discussion in the local newspapers. I think it was a great surprise to realize that this salmon run could support so many Orcas for so long.

The Bremerton Sun published a couple of spectacular photos that I just couldn't resist including. The first is another kayaker just behind three surfaced whales and the second is a whale that jumped out of the water close to a small power boat. Check it OUT!