We arrived at Sucia Island early this morning. The radar showed dark green rain squalls over every direction. But, the sun was shining. We geared up to hit the beach for walks along the fossil beds and kayaking in the bays. Around mid-morning the wind picked up and the rain came down. Just as soon as it started, and the rain had passed, leaving a wall of angry clouds to the east and sun of the San Juans. Thank you, Rain Shadow! The hikers that braved the momentary tempest were rewarded with otters and harlequin ducks. Luckily, we had a warm, dry ship and a wonderful lunch to return to.
As we cruised south toward Seattle on our final night, the birders were rewarded with grebes, loons, alcids and even a parasitic jaeger hard at work trying to steal meals. It was a beautifully calm, peaceful night in the Salish Sea. It was an end to an amazing trip aboard National Geographic Quest.