I think she means IPCO BOAT the Island Explorer, my Captain Lee’s boat.
Calm seas,
Writer, naturalist, mentor
Catherine French
805.570.0432
We are given only so many days, make each one count.
On Mar 10, 2018, at 9:42 PM, maria ornelas <maria@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi Naturalists,
P.M. Trip only: 1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
5 Gray Whales
3 small pods (one near, one far) of Common dolphins: one ~ 100 dolphins, then
about 50, and the third was too far away to count.
Large group Cormorants on water: About 200
Captain Lee, and crew: Spencer, Matt, and Sam. CINC Volunteer Naturalist:
Maria Ornelas
It was quite cold but the ocean was calm as we left Ventura Harbor on board
The Challenger. It started to drizzle fifteen minutes later, and it was
raining by the time we spotted the first Gray at 2:20 p.m. But the rain was
no impediment to having a good time since we all wanted to be there. The
passengers were excited about seeing the first whale dive twice, treating us
to great flukes before leaving. Some of the passengers were from out of state
(New Mexico, Washington D.C.) and many locals; L.A. Ventura, Encino, Simi
Valley …
At 3:08 p.m. we encountered a pair of relaxed whales who came within about
100 feet from the boat. They were at either side of the boat traveling slowly
south bound on, or just below the surface of the water, feeding perhaps? They
also treated us to great flukes so we watched them for a while, while the
second small pod of Commons darted here and there.
The best viewing was ‘reserved’ for last. At first we thought we had come
upon a single Gray whale and it took us a while to realize that there were
indeed, two whales engaged in ‘play'. We could see one whale literally
swimming slowly on its back, rolling over, spy-hopping, then rolling over
some more, fins extended exposing whitish barnacles. It looked like so much
fun, that a few Common dolphins came to join in. As we watched, Captain Lee
advised that parents be the ones to explained to their children what was
going on :)
It was as cold as it was exhilarating! A great joy again to be out there in
the water! Thank you Captain Lee and crew.
Maria Ornelas
maria@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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