ISLAND REFLECTIONS: SAN JUAN ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO ENDLESS DISCOVERIES

EXCURSION ITINERARY: 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.

Suggested Itinerary: San Juan Islands

Day 1
Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington
Anchorage: South end, Lopez Island
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.  We may come across one of three resident pods of Orca whales that feed on salmon in these plankton-rich waters. Enjoy a kayak orientation and paddle along the shoreline. The alpenglow over Mount Baker’s snowy 10,107-foot summit complements our welcome aboard dinner in a quiet cove.

Day 2
Anchorage: Garrison Bay, San Juan Island
One of the most stunning panoramic views of the San Juan Islands is along the west side of San Juan Island. We will travel along the strait passing by Lopez and San Juan, where the orcas, porpoise and rafts of sea birds feed and anchor in Garrison Bay. Here is the site of the former British Army encampment dating to the mid-1800’s. Now a National Historic Monument the bay boasts miles of trails and shorelines that invite us to explore on foot or by kayak.

Day 3
Anchorage: Reid Harbor, Stuart Island
Heading out of Garrison, we pass by Speiden Island, where we will spot exotic animals grazing on its steep slopes. We will anchor in Reid Harbor at 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. Here we will hike a few trails and paddle either in the bay or around part of the island.

Day 4
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 5
Anchorage: Sucia Island
Matia Island, along with Sucia, are the northern most members of the San Juan archipelago. Matia has been the home to hermits and smugglers. With its 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” for another satisfying dinner.

Day 6
Up anchor and begin heading back to our home port of Friday Harbor. As we travel south down President’s Channel we will keep watch for Minke Whales, Harbor Seals and Pacific Whiteside Porpoises. We will be back in Friday Harbor in time to catch an early afternoon ferry back to the mainland.

6day/5 night Trip offered 2010: (see Updated Schedule for Availability or call)

3day/2 night trip or one day parties:
Available for custom whole boat charters for 3 days/nights or more as well as one day parties for twelve, November 2009 through April, 2010 and then November 2010 through April 2011, depending on maintenance schedule. Weddings, conferences, meetings: Cost negotiable. These can be scheduled. Please call.