July 14, 2023 – At first we had thoughts to go south today, but shortly after we cast off we heard about a report of orcas west of Sucia Island pointed west. So, we came about and sailed north along the Shaw Island coastline, weaved our way through the Wasp Islands and up through Spring Pass. The orcas known as the T37A’s (minus T37A1) had stopped to hunt by Bare and Skipjack Islands before heading Northwest in Boundary Pass. We didn’t know if we could make it on our half day sail, but we pressed on as we saw boats getting bigger in the binoculars.
Our encounter was rather beautiful as we sailed beside the orcas with the stunning Saturna Island backdrop including Monarch Head. A humungous car carrier passed closely by all of us with a fair sized rolling wake and the orcas didn’t change course at all. After we left the orcas we came inside of Cowlitz Bay and right up to Pt Disney before crossing the channel to hug the north coast of Orcas Island. Weaved our way back through the Wasp Islands before returning to Friday Harbor.
Mt Baker view from Friday Harbor
Surf scoters passing Friday Harbor
Shaw Island coastline
Bald eagle nest on Shaw Island coastline
Harbor seals
Mt Baker
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with car carrier in Boundary Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with car carrier in Boundary Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with car carrier in Boundary Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Biggs/Transient orcas T37A’s with Saturna Island backdrop
Sailing towards Pt Disney, Waldron Island
Sailing towards Pt Disney, Waldron Island
Sailing towards Orcas Island
Orcas Island north coast
Historic Lime Kiln on Orcas Island
Bald eagle nest on Orcas Island
Bald eagle on Orcas Island
Bald eagle on San Juan Island
Route map 7/14/23