June 26, 2023 – Winds were perfect for sailing today as we scooted north quickly on the flood current. After cutting through the Wasp Islands we sailed up Presidents Channel close to the north side of Orcas Island before crossing the channel to sail parallel to Waldron Island. As we reached Hammond Point we crossed Boundary Pass and got to watch Southern Resident orcas from J pod as they traveled southwest towards Turn Point. We had some magical distant views and broke away taking Johns Pass into New Channel. Harbor seals were hauled out and bald eagles watched as we sailed by. With winds picking up we reefed the sails and made our way back down San Juan Channel.
Note: We were able to watch Southern Resident orcas in Canadian waters at a distance of greater than 400 meters and in US waters at greater than half a mile. All photos are taken with an 800mm lens equivalent and further cropped to show details.
Harbor seals hauled out in the San Juan Islands
Bald eagle in the San Juan Islands
Sailing near Turtleback Mountain
Bald eagle nest on Orcas Island
Sailing wing on wing near Waldron Island
Harbor seals hauled out in the San Juan Islands
Southern Resident J Pod orcas traveling alongside Saturna Island
Southern Resident J Pod orcas traveling alongside Saturna Island
Southern Resident J Pod orcas rounding East Pt, Saturna Island
Orca breach
Orca cartwheel
Orca tail slap
Orca spy hop/half breach
Orca half breach
J41
J51
J pod traveling south westbound in Boundary Pass
J44
J39
J44
Orca half breach
Orca breach
Orca breach
Southern Resident orcas from J Pod south westbound near Saturna Island
Orca with Monarch Head
J35 with J57
J47
Tight group of Southern Resident Orcas from J Pod
Orca calf breach
Looks like little J59 in the middle
Tight group of Southern Resident Orcas from J Pod
J38
J27
Johns Pass
Totem Poles on Johns Island
Bull kelp forest with Ripple Island in the distance
Harbor seals hauled out in New Channel
Harbor seals hauled out in New Channel
Pigeon guillemots
Bald eagle in the San Juan Islands
Juvenile bald eagle in the San Juan Islands
Sailing vessel “Orion” in the San Juan Islands
Fun sail back to Friday Harbor
Bald eagle in the San Juan Islands
Route map 6/26/23