Letter from the Editor

On a recent trip to Lopez Island, I was told about the islands of plastics that float in our oceans. I was assured they were not pulling my leg. Patti Hutchins, of Anacortes, told me all about plastic contamination. Please read the piece on plastics; it is a wake-up call, loud and clear.

The weather has not been really conducive to getting out to play this summer. The farmers have it harder than us. Their fields are mires of mud and they are unable to even plant a crop. We will get it in the end at the supermarket. At least to date we have not had to worry about staying out of direct sunshine. There has not been much. As NorthWesterners we are all used to grey skies and cloudy overcast. At least it is warm!

I had a fine day out on the 'M/V Orcas Express' with Eclipse Charters out of Orcas Island. We went in search of lighthouses of the San Juan's. It was not billed as a whale watching trip, but we saw more Orcas than seen on a few past whale watching trips. The captain, Dan Wilk, was very knowledgeable and agreeably waited while we watched whales cavort and feed as well as all the other things Orcas do! He even turned on the hydrophone so we could listen to their chatter.
He also knew a great deal of the histories of island lights, and seeing a lighthouse from the water is seeing it framed in a new way. Nothing can compare! Book a seat now for next year, and this winter I will tell you all about it!

Our job now is to get out there right now and make this a summer to remember!

Shelagh Considine
editor@sailpowercruising.com