[CINC] today on the condor

[Kathyrn Wasden]

Two albatross (possibly the endangered black footed.but maybe not, there was
no bird experts aboard to confirm) (took four pictures.someone might be able
to id)

+/- 35 or so hump/blue mix

2 pods common dolphin (long beak second pod)

 

Cpt. Dave reported the longest day travel day today on the condor.90 miles
RT past San Miguel. The 20 or so knot winds were against us and the 89
passengers aboard who tried to stay positive on the long, windy, wet, loud
ride out. Lots of fun conversations between the busy naturalists (Carole,
Rae and myself) and Cpt. Dave was manning the waves and the mic. 

 

Passengers were from all around the globe, some from Paris France who didn't
understand any English (keep one hand on the boat, both feet on the ground,
don't move around yet. phrases that were not understood and hopefully they
had a safe time with no bumps). An 80th birthday was celebrated on board as
well as a final send off celebration of a new marine deporting next week to
Afghanistan. The galley and tables were "decorated" with plastic bags for
those in need.

 

The whales were plenty, no breaches but some tail flukes (including some
blues) and a super friendly pair of humpbacks that hugged the boat for us.
Their sprays traveled across the passengers, nothing like a misty shower J
and were as close as they could be without coming on board. We were with
this pair or they with us for a very long time, quite an experience for the
new whale watchers on board.

 

Of course the ride back was a bit of a dream.coming back to perfect
conditions in the Santa Barbara area made our experience a bit unreal. 

 

Dennis was on deck, I missed having Bob Perry up on top. And I am terribly
sorry not to know the name of the darling helper in the galley. 

 

Cheers, kat.

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