Sailing around Stuart Island

July 31, 2018 –  Sailed North tacking to come around Shirt Tail reef where many Harbor Seals were resting and warming. Passed Yellow island and sailed wing on wing to Flattop Island where Harbor seals were warming on the Southern honeycombed sandstone rock ledges. Circling the layered shoreline of Flattop Island we found Bald Eagles engaged in feeding. They paid little attention us as we sailed by but were in competition with each other as to who was next in line and we heard them calling their messages to each other. We came through the Cactus Islands and close to shore of Spieden Island in New Channel sailing on to Stuart Island. We found a Peregrine Falcon as well as a Bald Eagles nest on the south side of Stuart Island. We passed Lovers Leap and Turn Point Lighthouse in light winds and warm sunshine lighting a beautiful coastal forest. Coming around to the North side we stayed close to the forested shoreline coming through Johns Pass back into New Channel. Drifting through the Cactus Islands from the South we caught winds to take us to Gull Rock. Winds became strong so we came into the Lee of Flattop to reef the main. We continued with moderate to strong winds to the Orcas shoreline and came inside of McConnell island. Passing through the pass of Nob Island we sailed close hauled across San Juan Channel and tacked towards Point Caution. The sun set with warm orange hues as we approached Friday Harbor.