Saturday was a perfect day. As we walked to breakfast in Friday Harbor we may have felt a drop or two of rain but there was a bit of blue to the west. By the time we were walking back to the boat the sun was out with just a slight breeze - it looked like a fine day was shaping up.
I had a choice to make - go up the east side or west side of San Juan Island. A true toss of the coin. The east side - San Juan channel - is more protected but the west side - Harro Straight - is where the Orcas often frequent on their patrol of the islands. I picked the west side and Harro Straight and ordered the crew to think happy thoughts.
We had just passed around Cattle Point and crossed Salmon Bank when the Victoria Clipper - a large passenger only ferry - passed us heading north? Odd. It runs between Seattle and Friday Harbor - why would it be heading up Harro Straight? It came to a stop off Eagle Point and then I saw the first spout. It was the Orcas!
I cut the engines and waited - you are not to approach the whales but if they approach you it's their choice. Slowly about 20 whales made their way past us, complete with babies and full breaching. I don't know how you ever get a picture of a breach, even getting them coming up for air seemed to be a matter of complete luck - of about 30 pictures three show more than a dorsal fin.
For the next forty five minute to an hour we sat in awe under clear blue skies trying to get that award winning photo of a breach. I finally stopped trying and just enjoyed the show. What a great day. From there we continued across calm seas to Mosquito Pass between Henry and San Juan Islands and into Roche Harbor for the night.
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