Explore WA: Whale Watching and San Juan Island

Thank goodness for Groupon! Wes found a whale watching tour for 50% off so we planned the day trip while Mom was going to be in town. L is too young to be stuck on a boat all day so we left her at home and we took a "day date" to San Juan Island. I appreciate mom watching L and Wes planning a day trip. Mom and Girlie went shopping and out to eat. It was the first day I didnt see her while she was awake and mom said she was saying "Mama" after her afternoon nap... broke my heart so I cuddled her when I got home. It is no big deal to get her our of bed to cuddle once in a while as long as she stays asleep, right? We had a great time. It was cloudy in Seattle but as we got farther north on the boat the sun popped out. Riding up the Pudget Sound, we passed sail boats, a tug boat, a bald eagle (see if you can spot him in the trees), and traveled through Deception Pass (you may remember we went there on a boat-free trip in May. Read blog post HERE)

 Pulling some enormous logs I could not fit in the picture

Bald Eagle....USA! USA! USA! (in honor of the upcoming Olympics) 

Deception Pass: named because the water appears calm but actually has very strong currents

We were able to meet some very nice people on our trip as well, Cindy from Singapore and Jason from Portland...

Our boat ride took us to Friday Harbor in San Juan Island. It was another cute, quaint town that offered local eateries and boutiques.

We were able to eat on the island and do a little shopping. Of course, Leighton ended up with a gift. Our whale watching tour was 2 hours and at the beginning of the trip we immediately found the orcas!
Two families (or pods) of killer whales were spotted as we began our tour. From what I heard today, that means it was a good day in the whale watching business. There was about 60 whales in the water around us, including an 101 year old female whale named Granny. It was pretty amazing. (Pictures turned out okay)

Unexpectedly, our guide spotted a humpback whale on the way back to the ports of Seattle. I didn't capture a picture but it was neat to see. Nice day off work : )

View as we left from top of boat. In the background you can see Turtle Island (named for its turtle shape)