July 30, 2025 – We started a northerly course with a report of orcas (T65B’s) at D’arcy Island. However, on hearing the orcas took the west side of Sidney Island we knew they’d be out of reach for this sail. So we tacked our way down San Juan Channel… Shaw Island to Turn Island, to Big Rock to Cattle Pass. Fast close-hauled sailing and views of a great blue heron, bald eagles, harbor seals with new pups, cormorants and gulls with new chicks. Drift sailed over to Whale Rocks to see the Steller sea lions before heading out to Salmon Bank. We had two quick views of a minke whale (aka “Dent”) before she disappeared not to be seen again. We headed over to Long Island and returned by way of Deadman Island before sailing up the channel back to Friday Harbor.
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Fun sailing adventure
Harbor seals fast asleep
Great blue heron
Harbor seals fast asleep
Pair of bald eagles, Cape San Juan
Harbor seals lined up on Goose Island
Double crested cormorants at Goose Island
Gulls with chicks at Goose Island
Branded Steller sea lion “428Y” at Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions, Whale Rocks
Steller sea lions, Whale Rocks
Cattle Pt Lighthouse, San Juan Island
Minke whale “Dent” on Salmon Bank
Rhinoceros Auklets
Bald eagle nest, Long Island, Washington
Mossy trees, Long Island
Sailing by Long Island, Washington
Bald eagle by Deadman Island
Harbor seal mom and pup, Deadman Island
Great blue heron in the tree top on Lopez Island
Downwind sailing wing on wing
Harbor seals hauled out, San Juan Islands
Sailing around Turn Island State Park
Route map 7/30/25