August 25, 2025 – With news of the Biggs/Transient orcas, the T49A’s, headed towards East Pt from the Belle Chains after our Lopez Island pick up we sailed through Cayou Channel to Pole Pass. Continued North passed the harbor seals hauled out at White Rock and across Boundary Pass. We rounded East Point and crossed Boiling Reef while the waters were boiling with the flood current being pushed over the wall of the reef from the depths. A second group of orcas appeared known as the T100’s. We met them at Tumbo Island with the T49As having taken a turn towards Vancouver. Sailing with the T100’s was challenging with the crazy swirling of strong currents but we succeeded in good views as they travelled towards Patos Island. At Patos Island we took the South coast seeing the sculpted coastline of honeycombed sandstone and a large bald eagles nest. We crossed to Sucia Island coming through the pass of Little Sucia and crossed to Point Doughty. Following the Orcas Island shoreline down Presidents Channel while enjoying our BBQ salmon and veggie supper. Returned to Odlin Park on Lopez as the sun set.
Biggs/Transient orca T100C
Mt Baker viewed from Upright Head, Lopez Island
Harbor seals in Cayou Channel
Orcas Island Ferry Landing
Cheers
Capt David at the helm
Harbor seal snoozing
Harbor seals at White Rock
Biggs/Transient orca T100C, born 2002
East Pt, Saturn Island
Biggs/Transient orca T100C
Biggs/Transient orcas T100’s near Boiling Reef
Biggs/Transient orcas T100’s with Mt Baker
Biggs/Transient orca T100C with Mt Baker
Biggs/Transient orca T100, born ~1979
Biggs/Transient orca T100F, born 2014
Biggs/Transient orcas T100’s
Biggs/Transient orcas T100’s with Mt Baker and “rainblows”
Biggs/Transient orcas T100’s
Biggs/Transient orca T100C with Mt Baker
Alden Pt Lighthouse, Patos Island
Patos Island
Bald eagle nest on Patos Island
Leaping salmon
Sucia Island
View of Boundary Passage
Enjoying BBQ Sockeye Salmon supper with grilled veggies
Orcas Island coastline
Bald eagle, Orcas Island
Great blue heron
Island reflections in sunset light
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Sunset sail from Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Mt Baker in the sunset light with WA State Ferry
Bald eagle
New moon
Route map 8/25/25