Explore:NW Summer/Fall 2016 | Page 44

Large splashes within proximity to the boat, a sign orcas are close by. four-second aerial spectacle is frozen for a second in time and stored permanently in both mind and memory. Centered around the productive depths of the Pacific Northwest lies a group of four horseshoe-shaped islands interspaced within several miles of each other. The four islands – Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, and Lopez – are located approximately 200 miles from both Vancouver and Seattle. Throughout the year, flocks of tourists congregate there 42 to partake in the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities combined with recreational water sports to soak in the mountainous scenery. As a seasonal temperate ecosystem, temperatures average around 70 in summer and 40s in winter making it the ultimate escape, especially for lower 48 folks who experience frequent Alberta clippers and Polar vortexes that turn your cheeks from pale white to rosy red. During winter, the adventurous type can downhill ski explore:NW | The Official Magazine for kenmore air | Summer 2016 at Mount Baker, ski the multiple trails, hike Mount Constitution and Mount Young, and partake in their own version of storm watching. In summer, however, popular recreational activities to partake in include fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, zip lining, and wine tasting. While these fun-thrilled, action-packed activities attracts some attention, it is the highly abundant population of residential Orcas and other migratory whales that draws animal lovers from across the