San Juan Islands Sea Kayaking from Anacortes

Today began as you might have expected any February morning to start out here in the San Juan Islands. Frost was on the roof, a light breeze chilled my bones as I fetched the morning paper, parting clouds gave me hope for a sunny day. We ate our breakfast, carried the kayaks to the water, and set out for a morning paddle. Cypress Island loomed over Guemes Island off to the north. This spring we'll be sea kayaking along those incredible shores every day on our tours, but today we are just out for a little exercise. We crossed Guemes Channel and headed west out into Rosario Strait. Almost immediately we had an encounter with a small group of Harbor Porpoise. These small cetaceans are generally less than 6 feet long and weigh around 150 pounds. They are fairly common here in the eastern San Juan Islands. Often shy around power boats, Harbor porpoise are best viewed from a sea kayak where they often approach to within a few feet. Today was no exception and we sat quietly in our kayaks, listening to the sharp exhalations and admiring the grace with which they moved in their environment.

We continued up Bellingham Channel, enjoying the stillness of the day and the stunning views of the forested slopes of Cypress Island. This spring our multi-day guests will enjoy this same view. Even better, they'll be staying out there for a day or to.

As the sun gained height in the morning sky we grudgingly acknowledged that it was time to turn back, head for home, and get ready for another day's work. I can't wait until spring when we are showing visitors around this exceptional place every day, wind in our hair, sun on our faces. But for now....we'll have to endure the office part of this job.