It was just a few days before our wedding day. Captain Barbara’s family has come to San Juan Island for the first time. Excitement is in the air. Dad can hardly wait to go fishing. Get the permits, buy the bait, load the gear and let’s go sailing! Mom and sis want to see some orcas! Well, it was our lucky day. The Southern Residents were inbound from Hein Bank in some very large groups. We couldn’t have asked for a better encounter. Today was a dream come true.

Capt Barb with sister and mom as we set sail on our adventure

Harbor Seals on Shark Reef

Steller Sea Lion with Cattle Point Lighthouse behind him

Steller Sea Lions on Whale Rocks

Southern Residents milling

Capt Barb’s Dad trying to catch a fish

Southern Resident Orcas heading in from Hein Bank

Southern Resident Orcas in a tight group

Drifting while the orcas swim by

Southern Resident L92 Crewser

A rainbow appears over Lopez Island

Capt Barb at the helm enjoying sailing with her family

A group of L pod members

We were sailing parallel to the orcas when they turned suddenly and swam towards us

Orca mother and calf

J28 Polaris with calf J54 Dipper

After the whales swam by us and under us, they turned around and came back for another look at us!

Surprising us with another close pass

Incredible lighting

Off they go – thank you for the special visit

Two killer whale bulls

Orca mom and calf in the sunset

Sailing back to Friday Harbor in the sunset

Enjoying our BBQ Salmon and Veggie Supper in the Galley

Barb’s dad takes the helm while Capt David and Capt Barb drop sails

Port of Friday Harbor as the sun is going down. A perfect end to a perfect day.