August 23, 2026 – We headed north today first cutting through the Wasp Islands, up Spring Pass and hugged the north coastline of Orcas Island. Orcas had been sighted at Skipjack Island and were wrapping around the top of Waldron Island. We had a nice sail across the channel and met the orcas between Pt Hammond and Pt Doughty. The orcas were Biggs/Transient orcas known as the T49A’s. They appeared to be socializing with lots of tactile behaviour and logging at the surface. At first they were multi-directional but picked a course to head southwest along the south Waldron coastline. Stunning views against the cliffs, conglomerates, honeycombed sandstone and forest (Pacific Madrone, Douglas fir and Garry oaks). After wrapping around Pt Disney we broke away to check out White Rock National Wildlife Refuge and Flattop National Wildlife Refuge before continuing back down San Juan Channel. In celebration of a birthday on board we broke out a yummy carrot cake for all to share. A perfect day
