August 18, 2024 – South today. Super low tide in Turn Island Pass and we saw a pair of bald eagles and harbor seals next to a star fish. We came down the Lopez Island coastline into the fog at Deadman Island and Whale Rocks. Passed by a family of black oystercatchers with two growing chicks. With thick fog we could barely make out the silhouettes of the Steller sea lions. Drifting passed Long Island we came into blue holes totally clear of fog and expected the fog to burn off quickly with blue sky close above. Out to Salmon Bank the fog thickened so we sailed using our ears to listen for minke whales. Eventually we heard a minke whale a couple of times but never saw it. Our passenger took the helm coming back through Cattle Pass in the strong flood current and he spotted a tufted puffin. This is the second time this year we’ve heard of a puffin in San Juan Channel.
