July 3, 2024 – Our sail began northbound on the flood tide. As we approached the Wasp Islands we heard a report of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T65B’s moving NE from Smith Island toward Rosario Strait. We came over the top of Shaw Island and through the cut by Spencer Spit and down into Lopez Sound. We met the whales coming through Lopez Pass, however they quickly flipped around and headed back out against the flood current. Sailed alongside and watched as they took the pass between Decatur and James Island. The whales continued northbound in Rosario while we followed the Blakely Island shoreline to Peavine Pass and sailed home.
Bald eagle grooming
Bald eagle, San Juan Islands
Bald eaglet in nest on Cliff Island
Harbor seals on the rocks
Shaw Island coastline
Bald eagle, Shaw Island
Sailing towards Upright Head
Ferry near Flat Pt with Olympic Mountains
Lopez coastline by Humphrey Head
Sailing through the gap by Spencer Spit State Park
Spencer Spit State Park
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s came in through Lopez Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s headed out Lopez Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s headed out Lopez Pass
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait east side of Decatur Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait east side of Decatur Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait east side of Decatur Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait east side of Decatur Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s northbound Rosario Strait east side of Decatur Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s stop to explore the kelp bed near James Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s passing James Island, Rosario Strait
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s passing James Island, Rosario Strait
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s passing James Island, Rosario Strait
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s with Anacortes in the distance
Black oystercatchers with a chick
Belted kingfisher
Lopez Island coastline
Close-hauled sail back to Friday Harbor
Route map 7/3/24