Biggs/Transient Orcas T36A's in Windy, Choppy Seas in Rosario Strait

August 19, 2023 – North, South, East or West is always the question we ask ourselves as we leave the dock. We attempted to go North after hearing about a sighting of orcas headed into Mosquito Pass by Roche Harbor, but there was strong current and the winds were against us. Instead we changed course to head East on account of a family of Biggs/Transient orcas coming up Rosario Strait from Thatcher Pass. Conditions were pretty lumpy inter-island and winds were quite strong – guessing 25 knots. As we sailed towards Obstruction Island we had lots of spray coming over the sides and bow and white caps were increasing. Once we made it to Obstruction Pass and cleared into Rosario Strait conditions changed to calm with light winds as we were in the lee of Lawrence Pt and the steep coast of Orcas Island. We met the orcas, the T36A’s, who were traveling up the coast with no interest of stopping at Peapod Rocks for lunch. Once we reached Lawrence Pt conditions really picked up with some swell, 2-3 footers, white caps and more spray. We were hoping that the orcas would head towards Barnes and Clark Islands, but their course was towards the top of Lummi Island in the opposite direction of where we wanted to go. We stuck with them for a bit enjoying the excitement as the pod surfaced with chins above the water, and spotting them by their blows blowing in the air. It was really beautiful and pretty cool! When it was time to leave the orcas, we headed back in the direction we came, but stopped to check out some seals on Spindle Rock and bald eagles in the Blakely Island forest. Returned via Peavine Pass and had another fun sail back towards Upright Head. A great day of exhilarating sailing with a fun orca encounter!