September 28, 2022 – After casting off we headed south down San Juan Channel. With news that J pod was on the westside we sailed that direction to get some distant views. We observed a very playful group close to shore doing multiple half breaches and spy hops. Further offshore we spotted J38 and later J27 foraging. Hoping they are successful in finding lots of salmon to fill their bellies. On our way back we passed by some sleepy Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks and some tired harbor seals near Deadman Island. During our ride back up San Juan Channel we spotted a minke whale at the top of Griffin Bay. We had some really nice views of the minke whale and a group of harbor porpoise before heading back to port.
Note: Our engine was shut down while sailing and viewing Southern Resident orcas. Photos of Southern Resident orcas are heavily cropped to show detail. We viewed over 1/2 mile per Federal and State Regulations
Mt Baker
Sailing along Turn Island
Harbor seals hauled out
Cormorants on Goose Island
Cattle Pt Lighthouse, San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas on the west side of San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas on the west side of San Juan Island
Southern Resident orcas on the west side of San Juan Island
Orca back breach
Southern Resident orca J38
Orca spy hop
Southern Resident orcas with Olympic Mountains
Rain in the distance
Southern Resident orcas with Olympic Mountains
Southern Resident orca in a beautiful, serene scene
Southern Resident orca with Olympic Mountains under the clouds
Southern Resident orca with Olympic Mountains under the clouds
Southern Resident orca J27
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks with cormorants
Steller sea lions on Whale Rocks with cormorants
Distant view of Whale Rocks
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Glassy seas in San Juan Channel on our return
Minke whale in Griffin Bay
Minke whale in Griffin Bay
Minke whale in Griffin Bay
Minke whale in Griffin Bay in the setting sun
Minke whale in Griffin Bay
Harbor porpoise
Route map 9-28-22