San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge, 8-15-10. With temperatures in the mid-90s and no A/C, we decided this would be a good time to get out on the water. We don’t own a boat so we had to settle on a wildlife cruise out of Bellingham, Wash. The refuge of 83 reefs, rocks and forested islands has been designated by Congress as a wilderness area to protect marine mammals and nesting seabirds. The refuge, with the exception of two small islands, is closed to the public. Click to enlarge



Harbor seals and pups are often visible on small rocks


Cormorants on rocky island with Mt. Baker in background

San Juan Islands NWR, 8-15-10, continued. Orcas are often visible on the west side of San Juan Island near Lime Kiln Park. Three pods, J, K. and L, are in Puget Sound and are known as the Southern Resident Community Orcas. Ruffles (J-1) can be seen in several of the following photos. Look for the wavy dorsal fin. Click to enlarge.

Orcas, 8-15-10, continued. Click to enlarge.

Orcas, 8-15-10, continued. Click to enlarge

Orcas, 8-15-10, continued. Ruffles on the move. Click to enlarge

San Juan Islands NWR, 8-15-10. Harbor seal and pup in kelp bed off San Juan Island, 8-15-10. Click to enlarge.

San Juan Islands NWR, 8-15-10, continued. Three final photos of harbor seal and pup. Click to enlarge.

Great pics Ed It looks like you and Pat had a wonderful excursion:nod: The harbour seals are so cute