Half day nature cruise

June 27, 2020 – The sail started out with some exciting and somewhat unusual sightings. A mink scurried along the rocks following us towards Pt Caution and harbor seal pup was alone watched over by a bald eagle. On crossing to Low Island we witnessed a greeting ceremony of black oystercatchers and two parents escorted a brand new chick who was exploring the waterline.

Onwards to Flattop Island where many bald eagles were roosted, flying and calling. A harbor seal pup piggy-backed on its mother’s back as she swam and another pup rested with its mom on the shore. Pigeon guillemots were active flying from their nest sites.

Wind picked up for a fast beam reach sail to Ripple Island. We navigated passed the kelp forests and through the Cactus Islands. A whirlpool spun us around for a second look at a pair of bald eagles. Harbor seals were clustered in quite a number. Cruising the north side of Spieden Island Mouflon sheep were grazing on the tide line.

A fast sail on the ebb tide took us back to Yellow Island and increasing winds made for an exciting entry into Friday Harbor.