May 12, 2025 – After leaving Friday Harbor we headed north. Right out the gate we spotted a mink on the shoreline and a Steller sea lion headed down the channel. At Flattop Island a bald eagle was busy in the nest, black oystercatchers strutted, and harbor seals slept. There was a report of two humpback whales north of Skipjack Island moving northeast. We decided to go for it. Skipjack Island National Wildlife Refuge looked beautiful with many harbor seals resting. We eventually caught up to the humpbacks, BCX1057 “Divot” and BCX1416 “Phi”, at the top of Alden Bank. Sailing alongside we had some gorgeous views. Peeled off to return by way of Patos, Sucia, Pt Doughty and President Channel.
Mink outside Friday Harbor
Mink outside Friday Harbor
Black oystercatcher
Bald eagle taking off from nest on Flattop Island
Bald eagle
Harbor seals on Flattop Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Harbor seals on Skipjack Island
Humpback near Alden Bank
Humpbacks BCX1057 “Divot” and BCX1416 “Phi” near Alden Bank
Happy to see her first humpback whale
Humpback BCX1057 “Divot” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1057 “Divot” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1057 “Divot” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1057 “Divot” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1057 “Divot” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1416 “Phi” near Alden Bank
Humpback BCX1416 “Phi” near Alden Bank
Skipjack Island
Sucia Island with cool geology
Sucia Island with cool geology
Cutting thru the gap by Little Sucia Island
Happy passengers enjoying the sail
Pt Doughty, Orcas Island
Sailing by Pt Doughty, Orcas Island
Orca yard art on Orcas Island
Orcas Island north shore
Orcas Island north shore by Turtleback Mountain
Bald eagle on Orcas Island
Route map 5/12/25