August 12, 2023 – A beautiful day to explore the Salish Sea. Many harbor seals were resting at our favorite wildlife refuges in the Wasp Islands, Flattop Island and White Rock. We moved quickly north on the flood current north of East Point to see a pair of humpback whales known as BCX1057 “Divot” and BCY0458 “Raptor”. We had some stunning views especially when they lifted their tail flukes into the air for their deep dives. After leaving the humpbacks who were trending northwest up Georgia Strait we came down to view the awesome geology of Patos and Sucia Islands. Our return route took us down to Pt Doughty, down the north coast of Orcas Island, and back through the Wasp Islands.
Harbor seals by the Wasp Islands
Harbor seal mom and pup by the Wasp Islands
Harbor seals by Yellow Island
Bald eagle nest san chicks on Flattop Island
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Harbor seals on White Rock
Humpback whale offshore of East Point, BC
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whales BCY0458 “Raptor” and BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCY0458 “Raptor”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Humpback whale BCX1057 “Divot”
Mt Baker
Alden Pt Lighthouse, Patos Island
Humungous bald eagle nest on Patos Island
Heart shaped geology on Patos Island
Sleepy harbor seal with beautiful geologic backdrop
Sleepy harbor seal with beautiful geologic backdrop
Sleepy harbor seal
Mt Baker behind Patos Island
Pt Doughty, Orcas Island
Pt Doughty, Orcas Island
Forested coastline of Orcas Island
Forested coastline of Orcas Island
Turtleback Mountain on Orcas Island
Belted Kingfisher
Historic Lime Kiln on Orcas Island
Double-Crested cormorants drying feathers on wings
Bald eagle – San Juan Islands
Route map 8/12/23