July 6, 2025 – We moved north quickly on the chance we could encounter Biggs/Transient orca T49A2, a 28 year old male orca, who happened to be traveling northeast in Haro Strait. As we arrived in New Channel our timing was perfect to see him milling near the Cactus Islands. Gorgeous backlit blows had us in awe as we watched him surface to breath. His dorsal fin has quite a nice hook at the top. After what looked like a probable predation he came around the outside of Ripple Island and headed northwest on the north side of Johns Island. After a great encounter and some spectacular views we came about and cut through Johns pass. We hugged the north coast of Spieden Island and admired the island reflections in the calm waters in the golden light. The sun was setting and the nearly full moon was rising as we sailed across San Juan Channel back to Friday Harbor.
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 with exhale
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 milling in New Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 milling in New Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 milling in New Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 milling in New Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 with exhale
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 with exhale
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 in New Channel
Biggs/Transient orca T49A2 with exhale
Harbor porpoise
New Channel forest reflections
Cactus Island reflections
Spieden Island bluff
Spieden Island reflections
Spieden Island forest reflections
Bald eagle in Pacific Madrona tree, Spieden Island
Bald eagle, Spieden Island
Cool rock formation, Spieden Island
Bald eagle on Shirt Tail Reef channel marker with Mt Baker
Fun close-hauled sail back to Friday Harbor
Sun going down
Almost full moon
Route map 7/6/25 pm