[06/13/2017 – M/V Sea Lion – 01:30pm & 05:30pm]
Today we had another wonderful day on the water with multiple whale reports and sunny skies. We had the pleasure of hosting two wonderful groups of guests on our afternoon and evening trips.
On our afternoon trip we headed north through San Juan Channel towards Spring Passage between Jones and Orcas Islands. Heading towards White Rock in Cowlitz Bay near Waldron Island we found harbor seals and a bald eagle out on the rocks. Both species seemed to be enjoying the periodic sun, and warm temperatures today! As we headed up into Boundary Pass past Skipjack Island we had some excellent looks at harbor porpoises and many of the seabird species that call our waters home in the summer.
Our first encounter of whales occurred just north of Patos Island, where we found the T065A family of transient killer whales hunting and traveling along the current lines. We watched as the family of five split up and came back together, churning in the water.
On our evening trip we again opted for the glassy water and beautiful light to the north of San Juan Island. We again met up with the T065As in relatively the same spot we had left them: cruising the edge of Alden Bank. The whales were so lively this evening! The juveniles rolled around and leapt from the water, as mama T065A and her oldest T065A2 traveled about 25 yards ahead of the rest of the family.
Cruising back to Friday Harbor the sun was unreal! The islands were super glowy and there was a magical quality to the golden light. It was a stunning evening to be out on the water.
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