April 2, 2021 – After sailing across San Juan Channel we hugged the beautiful coastline of Shaw Island up to the Wasp Islands. A gorgeous bald eagle was perched on a Pacific Madrone tree outside of Parks Bay. We also spotted an eagles nest on Shaw Island that we hadn’t noticed before. After taking Spring Pass alongside Jones Island we made our way to one of our favorite islands, Flattop Island. There were dozens of harbor seals hauled out on the eastern tip. The geology on the north side of the island looked incredible in the diffuse light.
We sailed over to Ripple Island and had an amazing time skirting the many rocks and islands in New Channel. Dozens of harbor seals were resting on the Cactus Islands. As we neared Green Pt the sea lion silhouettes came into view. The number of sea lions here seem to be growing day by day.
On our route back we hugged the San Juan shoreline back to Friday Harbor. Many groups of harbor porpoise were busy foraging at Pt Caution. We also spotted the sea lions who have been hanging around outside of Friday Harbor and a bald eagle stood watch as the sun set.
Bald eagle on madrone tree
Bald eagle on madrone tree, Shaw Island
Bald eagle nest on Shaw Island
Buffleheads flying by
Skye and Barbara (and sloth) checking out reflections in winch
Cool skycapes as we sail to Flattop Island
Flattop Island and Spieden Island behind
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Flattop Island
Sailing west in New Channel
Harbor seals on Ripple Island
Harbor seals up high on the low tide
Harbor seals on the Cactus Islands
Harbor seals on the Cactus Islands
Steller sea lions on Green Pt
Steller sea lions on Green Pt
Mouflon ram on Spieden Island
Common Loon
Mt Baker
Glassy seas at Pt Caution
One of many harbor porpoise at Pt Caution
Great blue heron near Pt Caution
Steller sea lions outside of Friday Harbor
Bald eagle outside Friday Harbor
Route map 4-2-21