Sail from Lovers Leap to Lovers Cove in blustery winds

July 22, 2020 – We left Friday Harbor with a peaceful wing on wing down wind sail passed Point Caution. On hearing of a humpback whale making her way up the West side we opened up the stops to catch the flood up San Juan Channel and the back eddies through Spieden Channel. Winds were quite gusty with sudden moments of stronger Southerlies. Crossing to Sentinel Rock and Spieden Island with a view of Harbor Seals, Mouflon Sheep and Eagles.

The Humpback was ahead of us some distance so we maintained a fast speed along the shoreline of Stuart riding some broadside swells. Unfortunately the humpback whale cleared across the close Canadian border as we neared Turn Point. Passing close to dramatic landscape of the cliffs of Lovers Leap and Turn Point Lighthouse we rounded the corner. A bald eagle chick was venturing to the edge of its nest watched by its parents, Harbor seals pups seemed quite timid next to their sleeping moms and the waters were emerald in their protected coves.

We went to first reef in the clam waters North of Stuart and then took Johns Pass into New Channel. While drifting the forested shoreline a radio report came of a Humpback heading North in San Juan Channel had reached Jones Island so we opened the stops again to head for Flattop. Flattop Island North side caught the sunshine to highlight the spectacular geology.

The humpback made a turn to the East taking Presidents Channel and we were sailing fast for a few glimpses as his blow was caught by the wind. Winds Increased with significant gusts as we made our way into Lovers Cove and went to 2nd reef on the main. Orcas Island forested shoreline is really at its best in the warm colours of evening light. The old Lime Kiln in the forest popped out in color and we saw another bald eagle chick above its nest.

We tucked inside the Wasp Islands and a gorgeous sunset sail from Nob Island passed Shirt Tail Reef and a satisfying sail home.