Condor Crew: Captain Dave, Colton, & Austin
Naturalist: Sue Miller
2 Gray Whales
300 Common Dolphins
It was a crisp clear day with choppy waters. Clear of clouds and not many
birds. Passengers from all over seemed relaxed and eager to unwind after a busy
week. Many out of towners visiting family in SB and vacationing from all over.
We traveled west and a bit south, then further east way past the oil rigs and
then a bit north for about 3 hours to avoid the wind and chop. Captain Dave
finally found a couple of young Gray Whales covered with quite a bit of lice
and barnacles. First Grays of the season! The whales stayed close to the boat
for about 45 - 60 minutes swimming slowly, traveling along side of the boat
and gracefully catching the waves and current, just barely breaking the
surface most of the time. After watching these 2 it was already time to head
back. Fortunately, we came across a pod of about 300 Common Dolphins which just
topped off the afternoon for everyone. One little 3rd grade girl boarded the
boat with pen and notepad in hand with columns drawn to tally everything she
saw. She tallied 513 dolphins. So cute!
A beautiful day albeit the delay in sightings.
Until I board again,
Sue
