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ISLAND REFLECTIONS: SAN JUAN ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO ENDLESS DISCOVERIES EXCURSION Friday Harbor to Friday Harbor Watching bald eagles soar overhead, observing pods of dolphins and orcas at close range, hiking on forested islands, relaxing on deck after a perfect day of sea kayaking--these are some of the delights of this journey by classic wooden vessel and sea kayak into the magnificent isles of the Pacific Northwest. San Juan Islands - Visit the delightful historic town of Friday Harbor before you board the M/V Catalyst for a journey of endless discoveries. Come upon the orcas, seals, porpoise, eagles, and other bird watching delights while kayaking into the sunsets, or paddling among the islands in the early morning mists. Hike into the mossy forests or relax aboard as you soak in the peace of these enticing islands, a God given sanctuary for man and beast. Suggested Itinerary: San Juan Islands Day 1 Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington Anchorage: James Island Marine Park Board the M/V Catalyst at 12noon at Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. After a brief boat orientation, we'll head south down San Juan Channel and the wind-swept coast of Lopez Island watching for spotted harbor seals, Steller sea lions and seabirds on the numerous wildlife refuges. Three resident pods of Orca whales feed on salmon in these plankton-rich waters on autumn runs of Coho salmon. Enjoy a kayak orientation and a nature hike on seaside trails rimmed with Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar and copper-barked Madrona trees on James Island Marine Park while we keep an alert eye for deer, bald eagles, raccoons, seals, and otters. Alpenglow over Mount Komo Kulshan's snowy 10,107-foot summit complements our welcome aboard dinner in a quiet cove. Day 2 Cypress Island Exploration Anchorage: Sucia Island One of the most stunning panoramic views of the San Juan Islands is from Eagle Cliffs on Cypress Island. Huge glacial grooves gouge the basalt rock hundreds of feet above the sea. Almost four-fifths Department of Natural Resources land, Cypress Island offers miles of trails, wetlands frequented by wood ducks, lovely beaches, rare Garry Oak trees and potential sitings of endangered Perigrine Falcons. After lunch, we'll navigate north up Rosario Strait past Orcas and Lummi Island to the gemstone of the archipelago-Sucia Island. Sculpted by glaciers, uplift, and ocean waves-Sucia's natural galleries of cliff rock are reminiscent of honey-combing, flowing water, and frozen waves. Home to Oyster Catchers, whimsically-painted Harlequin Ducks, purple sea stars, and 80-million-year-old fossils, Sucia offers miles of trails and half a dozen tranquil coves to explore by kayak. Day 3 Explore Sucia Island's Geological Past Anchorage: Sucia Island Today is devoted to exploring Sucia Island, and her off-lying satellites. We may kayak to Fossil Cove and enjoy a picnic lunch; and hike beneath over-arching madronas from Shallow Cove to Ewing Point. Sucia has a fascinating history, both geological and cultural. We will take the time to get beneath the surface of this beautiful place. Day 4 Cruise and paddle Patos and Matia Islands Anchorage: Stuart Island These two protected islands, along with Sucia, are the northern most members of the San Juan archipelago. Patos is the sight of a light house, which has seen over a century of essential use to navigators. Matia has been the home to hermits and smugglers. With their outlying seal haul-out islets, unique geological and topographical features, we could spend several days here and not yet have seen it all. After a day of paddle and foot borne wandering we will return to "Catalyst" and cruise south to Stuart Island. Day 5 Explore Stuart Island Most of Stuart is privately owned, but a net work of county maintained dirt roads provide access to most of the island. The view from Turn Point Light is breathtaking as freighters and private yachts turn the "corner" into Boundary Pass. Orca whales frequently hug the southwest shore as they seek the shoals of salmon that pass through these waters on their way to their natal creeks, mostly tributaries of the mighty Fraser River. Tonight we'll have a little fun and share in our adventures together at the Captain's Ball. Day 6 Up anchor and begin heading back to our home port of Friday Harbor. We may swing out into Haro Strait if there is a good chance of seeing Orcas, or pause at Jones Island to take a last hike along a forest path. We will be back in Friday Harbor in time to catch an early afternoon ferry back to the mainland. Trip offered 2008: (Updated Schedule for Availability or cal) Trip Rates:
3day/2 night trip:
Trip offered 2009: (see Updated Schedule for Availability or call)
Trip Rates:
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