April 28, 2024 – Our day began with unexpected drizzle as we left the harbor. As we began sailing up the channel excitement filled the air as we spotted orca fins in the distance. We got on scene just south of Yellow Island and hung out with the orcas as they zig zagged their way north. The orca family are Transients/Biggs orcas known as the T75B’s. As we crossed the bottom of President Channel it wasn’t easy keeping track of the orcas as stronger winds and white caps with spray kept us busy managing sails, but somehow we managed to keep their blows and fins in our sights. In New Channel the orcas stopped for hunting on the western tip of Spieden Island most likely grabbing a harbor seal. Together we wrapped around Spieden Island and we hugged the shore, but soon the orcas split and headed southwest. On Green Pt we spotted two different branded Steller sea lions (526Y and 929R) while others rafted up in the water or hauled out on shore to rest. Zooming down the channel with great winds we made fast tracks back to Friday Harbor whilst enjoying cups of hot chocolate, hot tea and hot apple cider.
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s northbound San Juan Channel
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s northbound San Juan Channel
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s
Harbor seals hauled out
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s hunting north side of Spieden Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s eating after predation
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s eating after predation
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s eating after predation
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s moving on after their meal
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s moving on after their meal
Biggs/Transient orcas T75B’s rounding west tip of Spieden Island
Mouflon sheep on Spieden Island
Steller sea lion swimming near Spieden Island
Branded Steller sea lion ‘526Y’ on Spieden Island
Branded Steller sea lion ‘929R’ on Spieden Island
Steller sea lions swimming near Spieden Island
Our passenger taking the helm
Having fun up forwards during the sail
Our passenger taking the helm sailing fast down San Juan Channel
Route map 4/28/24