October 6, 2019 – We raised sails and a bald eagle watched as we unfurled the headsail with winds in San Juan Chanel. Tacking across the channel we headed North to Spring Pass and then followed the Orcas Island shoreline of President Channel. From Lovers Cove at the head of Turtleback mountain we sailed a fast beam reach to Waldron Island. Following the Waldron shoreline of mixed forest with many Oaks we found a Peregrine Falcon near Point Disney. From the cliffs of Point Disney we headed out towards White Rock passing a great many Common Murres, Pacific Loons, Ancient Murrelets and gulls. To the North of White Rock we saw a Minke whale foraging amongst the gulls. We drifted while the Minke whale circled the area near the reef extending from White Rock. We headed South around Flattop Island and back to Friday Harbor near sunset.
Route Map 10-6-19
Bald eagle
Yellow Island
WA State Ferry with Mt Baker
Rhinoceros auklets
Common murres
Bald eagle
Harbor seal
Historic Lime Kiln
Great Blue Heron
Turtleback Mountain
A family sail
Gary oak trees
Peregrine falcon
Flattop Island and beautiful pinkish clouds
Sailing close to Pt Disney
Bald eagle on White Rock
Minke whale
Minke whale surfacing near the birds
Minke whale surfacing near the birds
Minke whale right side
Minke whale feeding
Bait ball
Minke whale right side
Minke whale milling near White Rock
Minke whale popping up close to our boat
Minke whale popping up close to our boat
Minke whale right side dorsal fin
Sailing whale watching
Minke whale coming up to breathe
Minke whale near Waldron Island
Pacific loon
Harbor seal on White Rock
Group of harbor seals hauled out
Harbor seal and cool rock formation
Harlequin ducks
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Bald eagle on Low Island
Returning to Friday Harbor near sunset
Friday Harbor in October at sunset