October 21, 2026 – A gorgeous day with light winds from the north and a flood current giving us a sail across San Juan Channel to Shaw Island. We came through the Wasp Islands enjoying the peaceful serenity and cut through the islands to continue north. Rounding McConnell Island we heard a report of two humpback whales near Gooch Island southbound on the Canadian side in Haro Strait. We set a course to pass Jones Island, through Spieden Channel and down Henry Island to cross towards Sidney Island. We met the two humpback whales, BCX1566 “Stitch” and the 2024 calf of BCX0470 “Hecate”, traveling slowly south. Really lovely views showing beautiful flukes while traveling together. Pretty soon they’ll split apart and one will take the road to Hawaii and the other will head to Mexico. We left them at Kelp Reef to pass D’arcy Island, cross back to Henry Island and up to New Channel north of Spieden Island. We served BBQ dinner while transiting New Channel and the Cactus Islands and birthday cake before returning to Friday Harbor. 
