June 25, 2025 – With a report of Biggs/Transient orcas (T46C’s and T75C’s) milling for a few hours south of Lawrence Pt bucking the flood tide we decided to head inter-island to see if we could get a chance to see them. We had good speed up Upright Channel passing the pretty coastline near Upright Head. As we were halfway to Peavine Pass the orcas stopped tread milling and flipped north zooming quickly on the strong flooding current away from us. We decided on a route around Blakely Island hugging the gorgeous, steep forested coastline spotting countless bald eagles along the way. We also found a couple bald eagle nests and many harbor seals milling close to shore. Came through Thatcher Pass and decided to take Cayou Channel between Shaw and Orcas Island. Came out by Nob Island and stuck close to the Shaw Island side of the channel to keep out of the flood current As we neared Pt George we tacked to sail across to Friday Harbor as the sun was setting with a beautiful sunset.
Bald eagle, San Juan Islands
Upright Head, Lopez Island
Upright Head, Lopez Island
Blakely Island
Bald eagle, Blakely Island
Bald eagle, Blakely Island
Harbor seal swimming by Blakely Island
Bald eagle nest, Blakely Island
Blakely Island east side
Blakely Island east side
Bald eagle, Blakely Island
Black tailed deer, Blakely Island
Tree growing out of rock, Blakely Island
Tire swing, Blakely Island
Blakely Island west side
Blakely Island west side
Shaw Island
Cedar tree skirt
Belted kingfisher
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Nob Island with sunset reflections
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor
Route map 6/25/25 pm