All Aboard Sailing

North to Flattop Island and Green Point

March 26, 2023 – Nice breeze from the South allowed us to sail out of Friday Harbor wing on wing in a current back eddy very close to the forested shoreline to Point Caution. A speedy beam reach took us over to the Wasp Islands through the narrow pass of Nob Island for a moments respite in calm peaceful waters. Continuing along the North side of Yellow Island we sailed downwind again to Jones Island and up towards Flattop National Wildlife Refuge. Currents were carrying us West so we motor sailed to reach the East side of Flattop. More harbor seals than we’ve ever seen there were packed into the cove to the North East. We drifted passed them riding the current in the lee of the island passed the geological fruit cake of the cliffs. The current carried us very quickly to Spieden island where we drifted around Green Point sideways to admire the posturing Steller sea lions. Through Spring Pass to drop back to the Wasp Islands this time taking the pass at Coon Island to head back to Friday Harbor. A magical Spring time sail in the islands.

Bald eagle outside of Friday Harbor

Barbara

Capt Skye

Common Mergansers

Bald eagle

Passenger on the helm sailing wing on wing

Looking up Presidents Channel

South side of Flattop Island

Harbor seals on Flattop Island

Harbor seals on Flattop Island with glacial erratic

Harbor seals on Flattop Island

North side of Flattop Island

Steller sea lions on Green Pt, Spieden Island

Steller sea lions on Green Pt, Spieden Island

Steller sea lions on Green Pt, Spieden Island

Steller sea lions on Green Pt, Spieden Island

Harbor seals hauled out

Harbor seal resting on a rock high and dry

Looking west up Spieden Channel

Bald eagle on Shirt Tail Reef Channel Marker

The head of Turtleback Mountain and Deer Harbor

Route map 3/26/23