San Juan Island
As much as I love the city of Seattle, after a week I was itching to get out of the city and into the field -- there are just so much nature in the Pacific Northwest! Instead of looking west to Mount Rainier and the Cascades, this time we turned our eyes to the east -- the Puget Sound.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
We took the Victoria Clipper to San Juan Island on this day. The ferry went through the Deception Pass, where the water from Skagit Bay and part of Puget Sound through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Because of confluence of the cold currents, this part of the sound is treacherous most of the time.
But some Harbor Seals were resting on the rocks, unborthered by the wind and mist.
Luckily for us, the sky cleared as we arrived in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
We had only a few hours to spare on the island, so we grabbed a taxi to go to Lime Kiln Point State Park. Greeted us were these beautiful Pacific Madrones.
The landmark in this park is the Lime Kiln Point lighthouse, which directly faces the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
It was delightful to look out to the strait and see the green islands under white, cumulus clouds between blue sky and sea.
Just then a Song Sparrow appeared right in front of me. Though not a new bird, it was always a delight to see this little friend.
As we wrapped up our walk, totally unexpecedly, a whale appeared just offshore (I think this is a Minke Whale). This was undoubtedly icing on the cake for this wonderful day.
Probably only a millionth, or even a billionth, the weight of a whale, a roadside beauty caught my eye -- I think this is a California Poppy.
Unfortunately, we had to leave the park to catch the ferry back to Seattle. The sailboat picture below was taken on the ferry back.
A picture from the back of the Victoria Clipper, which served us well. I would -- I know I will -- take the trip again.
As we drew close to Seattle, Mount Rainier again dominated the western sky.
Deception Pass
Harbor Seals
Friday Harbor
Pacific Madrone
Lime Kiln Point lighthouse
Lime Kiln Point lighthouse
Lime Kiln Point lighthouse
Lime Kiln Point lighthouse
San Juan Islands
Song Sparrow
Minke Whale
California Poppy
Sailboat
Clipper
Mount Rainier
