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