A sail around Shaw Island

June 5,2021 – Winds today were forecast at 20 mph. Being the San Juan Islands winds are also gusty and squirrely, with the direction changing sporadically choosing routes around islands, funneling in passes, and passing over saddles in the landscapes. At times the wind direction indicator spins around in circles. This can keep sailors on their toes and busy. Alternating wing on wing with a beam reach as we left Friday harbor conditions stabilized at Point Caution with a beam reach into short choppy seas at Low Yellow Island. The chaotic seascape was sparkling with light and so any sense of danger was offset with the sense of beauty. We took the pass between McConnell and Coon to come into calmer waters. Keeping under sail we navigated Wasp Pass, Bell Island and settled for a while to watch eagles between Double and Alegria Islands. The colors of the forest popped with the late afternoon sun. A fast peaceful sail took us into Harney Channel where we drifted in the lee of the forested cliffs of Shaw Island, The conditions of tranquility changed as we hit the Southerly winds in Upright Channel and with sails reefed we pointed with a close hauled heel to head for Odlin park searching the cliffs of Upright Head for peregrine falcons. Coming about we headed for the Pass between Picnic Point and Canoe Island. Squaw bay offered some shelter before engaging the chuck to round Shaw into San Juan Channel. With the sun lowering towards the islands we sailed to Hicks Bay before crossing the channel with a sunset sail into Friday Harbor. Our novice passengers were now ardent sailors and deserved a certificate of completion for a circumnavigation of Shaw in 20 knot gusty winds.