Fata Morgana visits Juan de Fuca

[rcvesselstyn]

I had always heard that the effects of Fata Morgana were very dramatic in the Strait of Juan de Fuca at the Canadian border between the Olympic Peninsula and Vancouver Island. We were headed to the island and decided to check it out. We were not disappointed.

As we left the peninsula we were greeted by a ship with its reverse image suspended above it.

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The Olympic Peninsula floated off the water, suspended in the air.

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In the distance a large commercial Cruiser headed for the Race Rocks Lighthouse.

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Boats in the sky!

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The effect became more pronounced, with almost a triple image. The actual boat, it's reverse image above and then the start of a third above that.

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The boat continued past the point towards Victoria Harbor and out of the distortion area with just the land behind it affected by Morgana.

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Looking back at race rocks lighthouse we could see a tug with its reverse image floating above.

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But that's not how Race Rocks Lighthouse looks! This is just a short series of pictures to see how Fatima Morgana evolves the lighthouse appearance.

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Smooth sailing to you all in 2024!

[SailingChris]

Thanks for sharing the cool photos!

Chris Campbell
Cal 20 # 1220, Martha C

[dnlddttn@comcast.net]

I have been there once and never saw anything like that as the winds were quite strong for the week that we stayed there in a Bed and Breakfast in Sequim. I really enjoyed seeing these photos -- thanks for sharing!