September 26, 2026 – Shortly after leaving Friday Harbor we received a report of orcas at James Island in Rosario Strait. We sailed across the channel and headed up Upright Channel cutting through Canoe Island Pass. From Upright Head to Peavine Pass we were able to sail in some nice winds. We met the orcas, T49A2 (“Jude” born 2007) and his uncle T49C (“Nielson” born 1998), at Spindle Rock just outside Peavine Pass. Sailing alongside the coast of Orcas Island they stopped many times to hunt and prey share, presumably harbor seals. We left to check out Peapod Rocks and then saw the orcas once again as we hugged the coastline to get out of the flood current. Other wildlife seen today included harbor seals, bald eagles, great blue heron, belted kingfishers, and a sea otter.
