July 31, 2023 – As we left Friday Harbor we hemmed and hawed as to which direction we wanted to go. In the end we decided to go inter-island with the hopes that a pod of orcas who were northbound in Rosario Strait would stop at Peapod Rocks for lunch allowing us a chance to catch up to them. Unfortunately, they didn’t slow down but rather zoomed quickly at 9 knots north after they reached Lawrence Point, but slowed down later to hunt near Barnes and Clark. Shortly after casting off we spotted a bald eagle on Turn Rock. At the peninsula on Upright Head we spotted two bald eagles on the shoreline where one was engaged in eating a fish. Surrounded by stunning scenery including Mt Baker and steep forested islands we enjoyed the sights as we enjoyed a fun sail.
Bald eagle on Turn Rock Channel Marker
Bald eagle on Lopez Island by Upright Head
Bald eagle on Lopez Island by Upright Head with fish in talons
Rounding Upright Head with view of Mt Baker
View of Mt Baker with Blakely and Cypress Islands
Bald eagle nest on Lopez Island
Sailing in Rosario Strait towards Blakely Island
Sailing in Rosario Strait towards Blakely Island
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock with Cypress Isand and Mt Baker
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock with Cypress Isand and Mt Baker
Harbor seals on Spindle Rock with Cypress Isand and Mt Baker
Pacific Madrone tree on Shaw Island
Funky Juniper tree on Shaw Island
Picnic Point, Shaw Island
Route map 7/31/23