April 3, 2023 – We headed North with haste hearing T49A’s were Westbound in Cayou Channel. With a report that they were exploring Westsound we were able to slow down and enjoy sailing in the afternoon light and meet them as they came back out of the sound. The sight and sound of backlit blows was lovely as they checked the coastline and found their supper. Following the probable successful predation the breaching was non-stop. We counted over 10 breaches!
Stacked cumulous clouds gave breaks to splashes of sunset light in the painted landscape. Calm waters with a chill breeze gave us silence and a mirrored sunset seascape. We followed their track through Pole Pass before bearing off between the Wasp Islands for a fast close hauled sail home.
Bald eagle outside Friday Harbor
WA State Ferry
T49A’s hanging out in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A’s hanging out in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A’s hanging out in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A’s southbound in Westsound, Orcas Island
Calf tail slap
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
T49A’s breaching after probable successful predation
Orca tail slap
Orca exhale
T49A’s
Orca leaping
T49A’s with Canada Geese
Orca breach
Orca tail slap
T49A’s southbound in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A’s southbound in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A1
T49A’s milling in Westsound, Orcas Island
T49A’s milling in Westsound, Orcas Island
Orca spy hop
Orca spy hop
Orca spy hop
Youngest member of the family T49A6
T49A’s heading to Pole Pass
T49A’s heading to Pole Pass
T49A’s heading to Pole Pass
Sunset taking shape
Sailing wing on wing whale watching
Sunset in the San Juan Islands with nearby rain showers
Sunset in the San Juan Islands with nearby rain showers
Sunset in the San Juan Islands with nearby rain showers
Sentinel Island
Sailing towards Nob Island
Yellow Island
Dramatic sunset over San Juan Island
Dramatic sunset over San Juan Island
Dramatic sunset over Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Route map 4/3/23