Paddle all the Islands Archives

Transient Orcas Attack!

It's been a whale kind of day. The last time we saw whales we were also at Sucia Island. Shane was the first to see the Orcas, getting a sneak attack on his paddleboard this morning. He was rounding Matia Island, Puffin Island, Puffin Island Reef, and Wiggins Reef. He was about to pass Rolfe Cove when a pod of Orcas were exiting right in front of him! He stopped and was able to grab some epic videos of his encounter. He said it was the best paddle of his life, seeing so much wildlife at once. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfw5qpivZBo/ Shane texted me sh[...]

Travel Log

I’m Jonesing for another sunny day!

We started off the day at Jones Island where we anchored and stern tied the day before. Shane had islands north of where we were at he wanted to paddle, so his day started at 5am. I waited in bed when he left as rain started to fall. It was a light rain and was over before the day began. He paddled Flat Top Island, Gull Rock, White Rocks, and Danger Rock circling around each of them on his SUP. We’ve had a mix bag of weather this week. It’s been filled with sweatshirts and pants, with the odd warm air and sunshine moments here and there. At times ra[...]

Travel Log

4th of July Fireworks at Roche Harbor

If we thought the anchorage was busy before, I don't know how to describe the Harbor the morning of the 4th. More boats were coming in to fill in the small gaps here and there. We left early to head to shore for the kids games hosted on the pool lawn. This was the first Fourth of July in 13 years that Shane and I would not be at Lake Marcel. We loved our small town parade and community parade that followed. The lake always had activities for the kids and an incredible fireworks display. Absolute small town Americana. This year, we were grateful to have a very[...]

Travel Log

Paddleboarding 36 Miles Around San Juan Island

Shane's paddle aspirations landed him here at San Juan Island, anchored at Roche Harbor on a Saturday morning before 4th of July. We had a quiet morning, sleeping in a bit and relaxing in the sunshine of our pilot house. The air was chilly, compared to the previous days here. The plan was for him to leave at 10:30 when the current was, in theory, pushing him south towards Cattle Pass and then giving him a boost up the pass when he arrived. I made him an egg breakfast with sautéed kale and zucchini, and fried polenta. He had purchased cliff bars, nuts, and hi[...]