All Aboard Sailing

South to Salmon Bank finding two Minke Whales

July 20, 2024 – Today we planned a route to head south on the ebb tide. There were many harbor seals hauled out with the low tide. Cormorants and gulls were tending to their chicks on Goose Island. On Salmon Bank we found two minke whales. One of them is one we’ve known for years and has a nick on the leading edge of her dorsal fin. Some foraging was observed. On the way back we stopped to see the Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks. Rode the fast flood current back in through Cattle Pass.

Washignton State Ferry

Harbor seal

Harbor seals

Harbor seals on Goose Island, with Cattle Pt Lighthouse

Double-Crested Cormorants nesting on Goose Island

Gulls with chicks on Goose island

Cattle Pt Lighthouse, San Juan Island

Mt Baker

Minke whale foraging on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale on Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Minke whale foraging o Salmon Bank, San Juan Islands

Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands

Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands

Sailing through Cattle Pass with strong current

Upwellings Cattle Pass

Sailing through Cattle Pass with strong current

Route map 7/20/24