[CINC] CX Whale-watching July 6

[Maria G. Ornelas]

Hi Naturalists,

Sightings:
2 adult Blue Whales
Pod of Common Dolphins (~ 200)
Many groups of 2-10 California Sea Lions

Captain Matt and crew, Naturalists Pat, Don, and Maria, along with 32  
paying passengers left SB Harbor at 10:00 a.m. under overcast skies  
and calm seas (Beaufort 0-1). Visibility was a few miles. Weather  
conditions remained stable throughout the trip.  An hour later we  
encountered the pod of Common Dolphins, to everyone's delight. Half  
hour later, on our way towards SCI, we sighted the whales. They were  
feeding on the surface and traveling slowly. They came very close to  
the boat. One of the Blues was a bit evasive at first, but then  
relaxed and we were able enjoy both whales. One of them got within ~  
25 feet of the boat, and during one of those visits, the whale left us  
a present of "processed" krill. It was the most colorful (bright-red)  
excrement ever. For over an hour, we were treated to wonderful flukes  
a few times, as well as to powerful exhalations.

Captain Matt than headed Northeast SCI but did not find the Humpbacks.  
He proceeded along the Island, and treated the passengers to Painted  
Cave. On our way back to the harbor, as well as on the way out, we saw  
many small groups of sea lions thermoregulating. They were floating on  
their backs, with limbs sticking out of the water, they looked like  
rafts, so I was not surprised when a passenger asked "What is that?"  
They looked really funny. We all had a wonderful, relaxing time out in  
the water.

Maria G. Ornelas
maria at rasnowpeak.com

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