Whilst heading back to Seattle from the San Juan Islands on a summer whale watching cruise I had not expected to see anymore whales. The day had been a good one with plenty of Orca sightings in small transient pods off Lopez Island and now it was just time to enjoy the scenery.
As we departed Friday Harbor we passed a rocky outcrop with plenty of life. Sea birds and Stellar Sea Lions were doing what they do.
Then out of no where a report came through of a Humpback Whale sighting off the coast of Port Townsend and we were heading that way! Sure enough we soon saw a spout of water spray up on the horizon but then the whale dived and we waited to see where it would surface. All eyes were towards the direction of the coast. We waited and waited…
Then a sound of the whale exhaling and spouting water was heard but it was behind us! Thar she blows!
In some ways I think this Humpback was playing with us. It would come up for air and go back under for quite a long time then suddenly pop up in a spot no one was expecting. This made for some fun aboard the boat!
Although this mighty creature did not breach, it did give us a couple of wonderful fluking displays including the final time we saw it. Almost like a wave goodbye. Such a great sight!
What a great way to finish a fantastic summer voyage. Thanks Mother Nature!
Deano In America 
Nice post, thanks for sharing!
Thanks!