June 18, 2018 – We sailed inside of Turn Rock to meet a humpback whale in Griffin Bay. Goose-wing downwind sailing on light air we travelled together to Shaw Island where the humpback surprised us with a breach. The whale crossed to Friday Harbor and proceeded north. We sailed amongst the islands and drifted through fast moving flat waters of New Channel. Drifting between the Cactus Islands we found a family of river otters swimming together in a line. An eagle cracked off a branch for nest building. Seals were resting on the kelp forest and we headed for the lee of Flattop Island for supper before healing into wind on our sail home.
Orca sea plane lands in Port of Friday Harbor
Harbor seal balancing act
Harbor seals outside Turn Island resting in the sun
Large group of Canada geese on the beach
Humpback whale in Griffin Bay
Bull Kelp at Turn Rock
Diving humpback whale
Diving humpback whale
ID photo – but we’re not sure who it is (possibly new to area)
Humpback whale slowly cruising up San Juan Channel
Humpback passing Friday Harbor
Mt Baker
Harbor seals near Yellow Island
Humpback whale heading up San Juan Channel eventually ending up at East Point
Pacific Loon
Great blue heron
Elephant Rock
Bald eagle breaking off tree branches
Calm waters to Flattop Island
Harbor seals in the kelp
Harbor seals in the kelp
Harbor seals in the kelp
Family of 5 river otters
Family of river otters climbing under the rocks
Family of river otters
Mirrored seas
Bald eagle
Bald eagle hidden in the shadow
Pigeon Guillemot coming in for a landing
Sailing back to port