We hoisted our anchors one last time and got underway, cruising down Trincomali Channel past Active Pass, keeping an eye on the ferry and freighter traffic that comes through that aptly named passage. Just as we began our turn into Navy Channel, between Mayne and North Pender Islands, we had the very great pleasure of seeing a large group of Orcas heading our way. We, of course, hovered and soon we were surrounded by the whales. It was truly awesome as we watched them breaching, spyhopping, rolling, and lobtailing! They put on a great show! Some of the whales even went under Navigator which caused a great deal of excitement. Emmelina was able to identify at least one whale as belonging to J Pod, but there were clearly more than that one pod in the area, probably from K Pod, as well. These are the southern resident orcas which are a distinct group from the orcas we saw in northern British Columbia. Emmelina also informed us that this was the first time a Mother Goose flotilla had seen the Southern Resident Orcas on the route home.
After the orcas had passed us, we continued on our way past Saturna Island to cross the appropriately named Boundary Pass back into the United States and into the San Juan Islands. We made our way past Stuart and Johns Islands, along Speiden Island and then down San Juan Channel, dodging a Washington State Ferry, into the port of Friday Harbor. After clearing Customs and settling into our spots in the marina, Deception hosted a last Happy Hour, as our journey is coming to an end. This is always a bittersweet time as we remember the incredible experiences we’ve had and the friendships we’ve made. Ketchikan seems a long time ago!
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