June 25, 2019 – It was an exciting day sailing with the T101’s.
After leaving the harbor we hear news of Biggs/transient killer whales known as the T101’s traveling through the inter-islands and coming our way. We found the orcas near Crane Island and sailed with them westbound into San Juan Channel. Our passengers were in awe watching this mother orca with 3 full grown sons (ages 35, 26 and 22) surface and dive in unison. Their deep blows could be heard as we cruised alongside. They stopped to hunt between Jones Island and Flattop Island for a few minutes before continuing on towards New Channel. We heard they cut through Johns Pass which is noteworthy as its a narrow passage with strong currents.
Admiring the beauty in New Channel we found eagles, seals, river otters and many diving birds as well as the mouflon sheep on Spieden munching on sea lettuce. This was an epic and very memorable 5 hour sail.
Route Map 6-25-19
Bald eagle and almost half moon
T102 surfacing with big exhale
The big boys of the T101’s
Tug towing log boom
T101 in between her sons
T102 with T101A and T101B
Harbor seal and bull kelp
T101 brothers (T102 is 35 yrs, T101A is 26 yrs, T101B is 22 yrs)
Bald eagle
Bald eagle nest
Transient orcas passing Johns Island
Pigeon guillemots splashing in the water
Pigeon guillemot resting on the cliff
Exotic Mouflon sheep on Spieden
Bald eagle posing for photo
Pair of bald eagles and Spieden cliff face
River Otter
Harbor seal with nursing pup
Geese with growing goslings