Sailing with orcas T46's and T137A and T137B

August 25, 2020 – After raising sails we plotted a course to the north. An orca sighting came in of a group traveling up the west side of San Juan Island – it was the T46’s with T137A and T137B. With a quick pass by Low Island and around Yellow Island we made haste towards the top of San Juan Island. With current in our favor we made fast progress in Spieden Channel. We lucked out when we heard the orcas made a right turn at Battleship Island and were eastbound heading our way. With the US/Canada border so close we were afraid they’d go the opposite direction as has happened many times this summer, but thankfully they didn’t go west.

The orcas made fast progress against the current as they travelled in loose groups. Majority of the whales were close to the north side of San Juan Island in the back eddy while T137A and T46D were out towards mid channel. The orcas cut the corner close to Limestone Pt and slowed down coming into shore south of Rocky Bay and began milling. Suddenly there was a course change and they turned back north again.

We only had two passengers aboard today and they were having a private moment to themselves near the bow – moments later they told us that they just got engaged! It was so special and we’re so excited and honored to be a part of this memorable occasion in their lives. The ring was stunning! We had a peaceful sail as we watched the orcas. T137A and T46D broke off on their own and headed up to Green Pt on Speiden Island while the others engaged in some socializing as they worked their way up the channel. We left the larger group as they turned towards the north side of Jones Island to see what the two big boys were up to.

The big males traveled quickly from Green Pt to Flattop Island. We noticed some action on the easternmost tip of the island with large waves as they swam close to shore. Presumably they were trying to wash seals off the shoreline. It didn’t take long before they moved on towards Pt Disney on Waldron Island. We checked out White Rock and got up close and personal to Pt Disney before re-joining the boys getting some amazing looks as they surfaced close to the gorgeous Waldron coast.

Soon it was time to start heading back so we crossed Presidents Channel hoping to see the other group who were traveling almost parallel along the Orcas shoreline. However, they made fast progress and got away towards Pt Doughty before we could get there, but we could see them in the distance with binoculars. These orcas moved fast all day regardless of the strong current they had against them.

The evening light illuminated the many shades of green in the forest on the north side of Orcas Island. Many bald eagles were scattered about watching the sun go down and a cute family of river otters (mom and two pups) entertained us for a little while before pressing on towards Spring Pass. With some decent winds we had a nice sail tacking back and forth down San Juan Channel back to Friday Harbor.