At eight o’clock we cast off to begin our final leg of the journey. It seems to have become a bit of a pattern to see whales first thing in the morning as of late, and our sighting of a pair of humpbacks just north of Friday Harbor kept us on track. It is unusual to see humpbacks in the San Juan Islands, and especially this time of year, when the majority of the species is still feeding in the colder waters farther north. A couple quick spouts and they dove, leaving us to continue towards Neck Point and the narrow Wasp Passage.

Ferries zipped between Shaw and Orcas Islands and a north breeze whistled down East Sound, coating our windows with spray. We passed Blakely and Cypress Islands, emerging at last into the southern reaches of Bellingham Bay. The glacier-clad peak of Mt. Baker soared above the coastline and guided us into the harbor. Home at last!

We have arrived safely after thousands of miles cruising through some of the world’s most beautiful and wild coastline. What an experience! With heads and hearts full of new memories and new friends we are sad to see the fleet’s crews go their separate ways, but hopeful they will come back to join us next year. We wish everyone fair winds and continuing adventure!