A Rainy Day with Remarkable Wildlife Encounters

Today, we embarked on a 36-mile journey from Port McNeill to Lagoon Cove, braving continuous heavy rain that followed us every step of the way. Despite the weather, the day turned out to be one of the most memorable of our trip, filled with incredible wildlife sightings and a sense of accomplishment as we pushed through the challenging conditions.

Before setting out, we made sure to fill up on fuel at Port McNeill, where we found the cheapest fuel prices of our entire journey so far—around $5 USD per gallon. Given the miles we’ve covered, this was a welcome relief, and it allowed us to set off with peace of mind, knowing we were well-prepared for the day ahead.

The rain began almost immediately as we left Port McNeill, creating a curtain of water that made visibility challenging. However, it wasn’t long before we spotted the first of many incredible sights—a pod of seven orcas. Their distinctive dorsal fins cut through the rain-soaked waters, and despite the downpour, they moved with grace and power, a reminder of the raw beauty of the natural world even in less-than-ideal conditions.

As we continued our journey, the rain showed no signs of letting up, but neither did the wildlife. We were soon greeted by the sight of three humpback whales, their massive forms rising from the depths, sending spouts of mist into the gray, rainy sky. One humpback treated us to a spectacular breach, a moment of pure energy and power that seemed to momentarily lift the gloom of the day.

Even in the heaviest rain, there are moments of lightness, and today that came in the form of twelve playful sea otters. They floated on their backs, seemingly unfazed by the weather, their fur slick with rain but their spirits high. Watching them brought a smile to our faces, a joyful reminder that there is always beauty to be found, even on the grayest of days.

After 36 miles of navigating through rain and mist, we finally arrived at Lagoon Cove. The trip today brings our total journey to 669 miles, a milestone that feels well-earned after a day like this. Despite being soaked, there’s a deep satisfaction in having made it through the day, having witnessed the wonders of the ocean in all its rainy glory.

As we settle in at Lagoon Cove, the rain continues to patter against the boat, a soothing sound after the day’s challenges. Reflecting on the journey, it’s clear that even in the rain, there is magic to be found out here on the water. Today was a reminder of why we do this—why we endure the elements and push through the tough days—because in the end, the experiences we gain and the sights we see make it all worthwhile.

There is that feeling that you get when the boat nextdoor probably paid more for their anchors and chain than we did for the whole boat.