June 29, 2023 – Full day sail around Orcas Island. With a report of a family of orcas (the T99’s) near Lummi Island we chose an inter-island route. A black tailed deer was swimming near the harbor entrance just after we were underway. Gorgeous views of Mt Baker could be seen throughout the day. Bald eagles were busy by the Peapod Rocks and there were many harbor seals on the rocks. A sprightly sail around Lawrence Point and a bald eagle swooped down in front of us and snatched a fish. Unable to fly with the fish the eagle swam to shore with the fish I its talons. The orcas looped around Lummi Island and headed back north – too quickly for us to catch up with so we continued on our way to visit some of the outer islands. Many pregnant harbor seals rested on the rocks by Matia Island and we celebrated a birthday in the secluded waters of Rolfe Cove. From Parker Reef to Point Doughty and the coastline of Presidents Channel the scenes kept amazing us and even the Black Oyster Catchers were celebrating, gathered with heads bobbing on a rock in the Wasp Islands.
Mt Baker seen from Friday Harbor
Mt Baker seen from Friday Harbor
Black tailed deer swimming near Friday Harbor
Sailing along Lopez Island towards Upright Head
Mt Baker viewed from Upright Head with Blakely and Cypress Islands
Mt Baker again after entering Rosario Strait
Harbor seals by Peapod Rocks
Bald eagle by Peapod Rocks
Harbor seals by Peapod Rocks
Bald eagle by Peapod Rocks
Pair of bald eagles in flight by Peapod Rocks
Harbor seals by Peapod Rocks
Harbor seal swimming by bald eagle with fresh catch by Peapod Rocks
Adult and juvenile bald eagles by Peapod Rocks
Harbor seals and bald eagle by Peapod Rocks
Bald eagle with fresh catch
Juvenile bald eagle flying by Peapod Rocks
Bald eagle sitting on National Wildlife Refuge sign by Peapod Rocks
Sailing towards Lawrence Pt, Orcas Island
East side of Orcas Island
Bald eagle swimming with fish in talons
Bald eagle swimming with fish in talons
Bald eagle swimming with fish in talons
Bald eagle with fresh catch flies to hillside to eat his lunch
Sailing north from Lawrence Pt, Orcas Island
Little Sister Island
Harbor seals near Barnes and Clark Islands
Harbor seals near the Sister Islands with Mt Baker back drop
Pregnant harbor seals
Harbor seals near the Sister Islands
Harbor seals near the Sister Islands with Mt Baker back drop
Puffin Island
Pigeon guillemot
Harbor seals near Puffin Island
Harbor seals near Puffin Island
Puffin Island
Harbor seals by Puffin Island
Black oystercatcher
Harbor seals by Matia Island
Bald eagle nest
Bald eagle
Matia Island
Matia Island
Row row row your boat
Row row row your boat
Birthday cake celebrations for one of our passengers
Pt Doughty, Orcas Island
Great blue heron near Pt Doughty
Pair of bald eagles on Orcas Island
Orcas Island north coast
Orca yard art
Sailing along Orcas Island north coast
Sailing along Orcas Island north coast
Historic Lime Kiln, Orcas Island
Looking west from President Channel towards New Channel
Black oystercatchers having a greeting ceremony
Black oystercatchers having a greeting ceremony
Looking towards Yellow Island from Nob Island
Bald eagle in the San Juan Islands
Route map 6/29/23