Orcas T36A2 and T36A3 with T137's southbound from Lawrence Pt and a minke bottom of Upright Channel

July 9, 2021 – When we left the dock we had a report of Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T137’s who were with T36A2 and T36A3 southbound in Rosario and milling near Lawrence Pt, Orcas Island. We plotted a course to head that way and made quick tracks with the hopes to encounter them. After passing close by Upright Head to see the bald eagles nest we headed towards Peavine Pass with the view of Mt Baker tucked behind Cypress Island. As we were getting close to the Pea Pod Rocks the orcas began traveling quickly southbound in our direction after spending hours milling off Lawrence Pt. Our timing was perfect. We spotted the blows close to shore of two orcas, siblings T36A2 and T36A3, followed by the large fin of T137A. Trailing behind were the rest of the T137’s. The blows were stunning against the dark forested backdrop of Orcas Island. Before reaching Obstruction Pass it appeared that the orcas were hunting and probably successful as they looked playful and busy milling for awhile before continuing down Rosario Strait. It was a fantastic encounter. We headed back towards Friday Harbor through Obstruction Pass and back to Upright Head sticking close to the north side of Lopez. As we came around the bottom of Shaw our passengers spotted a minke whale. He/she surfaced twice and went down for about five minutes surfacing nearby with another 2 breaths and then down again. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any photos. There had been a minke at the bottom of San Juan Channel and near Turn Island for several days in a row and this is the second time we’ve seen it recently. A perfect ending to a fun sail.