Then came 2020—a year most of us remember for other reasons, but Joe seemed to make the most of it, spotted spinning his tales off Spaniards Cove one day, then meandering to Trinity Bight and English Harbour in quick succession. He made Bay Bulls and St. John’s part of his summer address book in 2024, with a run all the way down to Green Island. By July 2025, Witless Bay and Horsechops Head bore witness yet again to Joe’s return, as if the old places called him home.

Each appearance feels both luck and blessing—a patchwork trail along Newfoundland’s rugged coast. Joe’s pattern? Hard to pin. He’ll show where the baitfish are fleet, weather fair or foul, never staying too long in one corner, but leaving enough of a hint that he’ll be back.

Have you seen Joe? If you’ve spotted this fine fellow and caught a snap, you’d be doing nature—and all of us landlubber whale watchers—a favour by sharing it. Your photos and sightings help fill the blanks in Joe’s journey, opening up new chapters on whale wanderings and mysteries yet unsolved.