September 23, 2024 – Sailed south around Turn Island and across to the Lopez shoreline. As we passed Deadman Island we noticed in our photo a harbor seal was cuddled up next to what looks like a small (spiny dogfish) shark. On out to Whale Rocks where the Steller sea lions were hauled out. Conditions were mirror calm with wispy bands of sea mist. Approaching Salmon Bank and we met a minke whale (aka “Dent”) who was northbound toward Long Island becoming eastbound toward MacArthur Bank. We had a few good views and then it disappeared. After searching for awhile we headed North inside Hall Island and followed the south coast of Long Island where we found a large gathering of black oystercatchers (30+). Clearing Long Island towards Whale Rocks we drifted amongst active bait balls with harbor porpoises and common murres. The bands of sea mist became more prevalent giving a magical lighting to the coastline and islands.
Route map 9/23/24
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Bald eagle near Turn Island State Park
Bald eagle near Turn Island State Park
Bald eagle near Pear Pt San Juan Island
Cattle Pt, San Juan Island and Olympic Mountains
Great blue heron flying by
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seal cuddled up with spiny dogfish shark ? on Deadman Island
Canada Geese
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks with sea mist
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks with sea mist
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks with sea mist
Steller sea lion eyeing us
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks
Cattle Pt Lighthouse, San Juan Island with sea mist
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (nicknamed “Dent”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (nicknamed “Dent”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (nicknamed “Dent”)
Minke whale on Salmon Bank (nicknamed “Dent”)
Harbor seals by Hall Island
Harbor seals by Hall Island
Large gathering of black oystercatchers on Long Island
Harbor seals with Cattle Pt Lighthouse in distance
Eye in the clouds
Harbor porpoise
South Lopez coast
Common murres
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks with sea mist
Steller sea lions with Cattle Pt Lighthouse
Steller sea lion
Harbor seals on the rocks by Deadman Island