Southern Residents take Cattle Pass at 10 knots

July 25, 2020 – After drifting through Turn Island Pass we raised sails for a close hauled sail South to tack our way to Cattle Pass. Deadman Island harbor seals were hauled out warming on the sunshine and bald eagles watched us drift by. We’re seeing more great blue herons who are here again standing on the kelp fronds waiting for a fish to spear with their bill. A couple of steller sea lions have returned to Whale Rocks after their long swim from The Queen Charlotte breeding colonies.

We rode on the ebbing current to Long Island where a bald eagle swooped in front of us in an attempt to snatch something from the water. The glassy waters reflected the colors of the trees as we drifted by and rounding the corner to the North we found a line of harbor seals resting on the beach.

Out to Salmon Bank and a search for minke whales where patience paid off. After waiting and watching we suddenly picked up a call that orcas first sighted at Discovery Island had been found off Hein Bank. L pod (19 members) and some of K pod (K21 with K16’s) were still here near San Juan Island and we made our way out to meet them. Spread in loose groups we were able sail alongside as they made their way to Salmon Bank. The first whales we spotted were L72 with L105 and L90 (same as yesterday). They turned towards False Bay and we sailed alongside and left them to head home. Surprisingly some of the Ls and the K’s turned and followed. As we went over Salmon Bank we were further surprised as they too made a course for Cattle Pass.

The current was in full flood and it was pretty exciting to see K35 and K21 (big males) swimming at 10 knots passed Whale Rocks and into the pass with Mount Baker in the background. Some the Ls including L87 swam close to the Lopez shoreline to Big Rock and Fishermans Bay. They slowed as they neared the junction with Upright Channel where they turned and headed back to the South exiting Cattle Pass later that evening. We left them when they turned to continue back to the Port of Friday Harbor.