Late summer sail to the north

September 10, 2020 – Sufficient North wind for a fun sail North tacking our way up the channel. Weaved in around the Wasp Islands where the harbor seals dozed off resting and warming in the morning sun. Through Spring Pass and tacked our way up Presidents Channel. Half moon today and currents not extreme but enough to give a helping hand. Bald eagles were few and far between with many of them leaving for the mainland rivers looking for returning salmon but one watched as we approached Lovers Cove and the cliff face of Turtleback Mountain.

Crossing to Waldron Island and our passenger took the helm for wing on wing sailing along the shoreline with its forest of madrone and oak changing color with fall mixed with cedar spires and evergreens. From the spectacular cliff face of Point Disney we branched off to White Rock and Flattop National Wildlife Refuge. A bald eagle was stationed at its nest and another flew by with a fish.

Winds were now light to zero and sea conditions glassy as we came through Ripple Island Pass into New Channel and the Cactus Islands. A great blue heron stood on the kelp fronds in the reflective mirror waters. Another bald eagle watched as we hugged the forested shoreline of Spieden Island. Rounding Spieden and two harbor seals jostled with a large salmon. Mouflon sheep grazed under the giant Gary Oaks. The ebb current helped as we made our way back to Friday Harbor.