July 23, 2023 – We moved quickly because a family of BIggs/Transient orcas known as the T65B’s were inter-island westbound into Cayou Channel. Taking the narrow pass behind Canoe Island towards Picnic Pt we sailed wing on wing around the corner to catch up. The orcas were moving slowly. They did a 180 at Broken Point and traveled eastbound to exit Obstruction Pass. We mixed breaking away to sail with rejoining in a few places. Rosario Strait was brisk and they picked up their pace to head north and we rounded Obstruction Island for our return. As we came around Upright Head we spotted a few belted kingfishers and enjoyed a fast sail back to Friday Harbor.
Washington State Ferry with Mt Baker
Picnic Pt, Shaw Island
Washington State Ferry
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Washington State Ferry
Harbor seals hauled out
Harbor seals hauled out with new pups
Harbor seals hauled out
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s with Mt Baker
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Mt Baker and Cypress Island
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T65B’s
Bald eagle nest on Lopez Island
Belted kingfisher on Lopez Island
Lopez Island
Belted kingfisher with Madrone tree on Lopez Island
Sailing San Juan Islands
Route map 7/23/23