June 13, 2024 -Began our sail on a northerly crossing to Pt George. With ebb tide we changed direction to the south drifting along the coastline of Shaw Island where we spotted a bald eagle. We sailed over to Turn Island and came through the pass spotting a deer, raccoon, harlequin ducks and harbor seals. Exited Cattle Pass seeing the Steller sea lions and made our way out to Salmon Bank. It was a little lumpy so spotting a minke whale was challenging. Eventually we changed course for Middle Bank and saw the Southern Resident orcas inbound towards False Bay. We were under sail and viewed over half a nautical mile as per Federal and State Regulations. Whales were cartwheeling and one was excitedly tail slapping as they went. We had a fast sail abeam of good swell to Salmon Bank and again to Whale Rocks. There was a branded Steller sea lion on top with number 347Y. Finished with a fast comfortable sail back to Friday Harbor.
Bald eagle
Mt Baker viewed from Friday Harbor
Black tailed deer
Raccoon on Turn Island
Harlequin ducks by Turn Island
Harbor seals hauled out by Deadman Island
Harbor seals hauled out by Deadman Island
Bald eagle by Deadman Island
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, South of San Juan Island
Big male Stellar sea lion
Big male Stellar sea lion surrounded by females? or juveniles?
Southern Resident orca doing a cartwheel
Southern Resident orcas inbound towards San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas inbound towards San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas inbound towards San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas back flip
Branded Steller sea lion on top of Whale Rocks with number “347Y”
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, South of San Juan Island
Route map 6/13/24