July 29, 2025 – Gorgeous morning short sail. After casting off we came inside Turn Island Pass and tacked our way down to Cattle Pass. Checked out the wildlife on Goose Island, Whale Rocks and Deadman Island. We saw cormorants, gulls with chicks, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, black oystercatchers, bald eagles and a bald eagle chick newly fledged from its nest. Hugged the Lopez coastline up to Big Rock before crossing back to Pear Pt. As we were coming back through Turn Island Pass we were surprised by a minke whale also taking the narrow pass! It was a familiar minke whale nicknamed “Stubbs”. We had some wonderful views. A great way to end a beautiful sail.
Minke whale “Stubbs” taking the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park
Mt Baker
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Harbor seals near Turn Island State Park
Harbor seals near Turn Island State Park
Bald eagle near Pear Pt, San Juan Island
Cormorants and gulls tending to their nests & chicks, Goose Island
Gulls with new chicks
Double-crested cormorants, Goose Island
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Steller sea lions at Whale Rocks, San Juan Islands
Newly fledged bald eagle chick, Lopez Island
Black oystercatcher near Deadman Island
Bald eagle, Lopez Island
Harbor seals by Deadman Island
Black oystercatcher near Deadman Island
Big Rock, Lopez Island
Great blue heron
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Minke whale “Stubbs” taking the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park
Minke whale “Stubbs” taking the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park
Minke whale “Stubbs” taking the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park
Minke whale “Stubbs” taking the narrow pass around Turn Island State Park
Route map 7/29/25