Impressions Átl’ḵa7tsem

In search of orcas that have been gracing the waters with their presence for almost a week now, I immerse myself gently into the cool mid-Spring waters of Átl’ḵa7tsem at the site where I could “almost touch the orcas” after running with them along the beach and scraping my knees on rock, barnacles and clams. I take my scars with grace and remind myself never to underestimate the little ones as I run after the sounds and sight of orca spouts.

Days later, I find not orcas underwater, but the vibrant colors of muscle, star fish, kelp, sea cucumbers, fish and jellyfish. This is the first time I actually see a shoal of fish since December.