Orcas, west side San Juan Island continued, 9-4-10. I’ve tried several times to see our resident and transient orcas from the island but have never been able to do so. Notice in the first photo (top left) that people on the cliff are observing the orcas. Click to enlarge

Orcas, west side San Juan Island continued, 9-4-10. In first photo, an orcas swims by the Lime Kiln Lighthouse while several people watch from ashore. In final two photos, a group of kayakers and several people ashore take in the orcas’ performance. Click to enlarge.

Hi Ed,
Great pics of the Stellars and Orcas I'm going to go on a whale watching tour one of these days; it's on my 'bucket list'

Hi Kay, Are there any places on Vancouver Island where you can see the orcas from shore? We were able to see some orcas when we took the ferry from Tsawassen to Fledge Fest. We always see the Zodiacs out of Victoria searching for the pods.
They always seem to get very, very close to the whales, too close in my opinion. I also would be afraid of taking a good camera on a Zodiac because of all the spray.

Bagley Lakes Loop, 9-22-10. This is an easy 1.5 mile loop around the lower lake in the Heather Meadows area near the Mount Baker ski area. Good views of Table Mountain. Fantastic views of fall foliage during previous hikes this time of year, but the colors still not out this year. Heard but could not spot pikas, but was able to get some photos of a Gray Jay. Click to enlarge

Looking toward Table Mountain

Mt. Shuksan

Gray Jay near Bagley Lake Trail, 9-22-10. Click to enlarge

Wild Goose Trail, 9-22-10, continued. You can drive the Mount Baker Highway to the end of the road at Artist Point or hike up to Artist Point on the Wild Goose Trail from lower Bagley Lakes. This is the first time I chose to hike up the trail. It’s 1.5 miles, and I’d rate this a moderate hike since it’s all uphill. Great views of Mount Shuksan. A chipmunk was our only wildlife spot. Click to enlarge




Part of the Chain Lakes Trail viewed from Wild Goose Trail

Final views of Mount Shuksan from the trail, 9-22-10. Click to enlarge