July 1, 2023 – Great winds today when we left Friday Harbor. We sailed almost the whole day up and around Stuart Island. The Southern Resident orcas from J pod and the L12 subgroup were northbound in Haro Strait. We sailed along and got some distant views as the groups of orcas filed by. When they reached Turn Point the L’s went towards Swanson and stopped to mill around near Moresby Island. The J pod orcas turned east in Boundary toward East Point. Continuing our adventure we sailed by Flattop Island and spotted one of the eaglets in the nest. Several harbor seals were hauled out resting. With a close-hauled sail we had an exhilarating sail back to the harbor.
Note: All photos of orcas taken with 800mm equivalent lens and further cropped to show details
Young passenger taking the helm
Harbor seals and Spieden Island in the distance
Layers of islands including Coon and Orcas Island
Distant view of Southern Resident orca J26
Distant view of Southern Resident orcas from J pod
Distant view of Southern Resident orcas from J pod
Harbor porpoise
Distant view of Southern Resident orcas from the L12 subgroup
One of the new calves in the L12 subgroup
The new calves in the L12 subgroup
One of the new calves in the L12 subgroup
Distant view of Southern Resident orca L85
Distant view of Southern Resident orcas from L12 subgroup
Sailing towards Turn Pt Lighthouse, Stuart Island
Turn Pt Lighthouse, Stuart Island
Mt Baker in the distance
Southern Resident orca J26
Southern Resident orca J27 with Mt Baker
Southern Resident orcas with Mt Baker
Southern Resident orcas with Mt Baker
Southern Resident orcas with Mt Baker
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Bald eagle chick in the nest on Flattop Island
Bald eagle parent near the nest on Flattop Island
Passenger sailing the boat down San Juan Channel
Having fun sailing
Route map 7/1/23