June 23, 2024 – After casting off we sailed across the channel debating to go north or south. As we reached Pt George on Shaw Island we sailed south along the coastline with the current admiring the view and a bald eagle. Continued south down San Juan Channel to Deadman Island where we spotted harbor seals and a couple of ochre sea stars on the tide line. At Whale Rocks the Steller sea lions were sleepy using each other as pillows as they rested. Branded Steller sea lion ‘347Y’ was there. We continued to Salmon Bank where we had some good views of a minke whale cruising around the southern end of the bank. Returned via the south side of Whale Rocks and gave our passenger the helm near Cattle Pass to sail us back to Friday Harbor.
Bald eagle, San Juan Islands
Sailing towards Cattle Point from Friday Harbor
Harbor seals hauled out on the rocks, San Juan Islands
Ochre sea stars
Branded Steller sea lion “347Y” at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Sailing whale watching
Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands
Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands
Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands/ Salish Sea
Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands/ Salish Sea
Steller sea lions with Cattle Pt Lighthouse
Sailing in Cattle Pass
Sailing around Turn Island
Route map 6/23/24