[CINC] ipco 28th and SCI 29th

[Kathyrn Wasden]

It has been a busy few days for me! I had the opportunity to volunteer at
the central valley, so I took up the offer of hard work in exchange for a
view of all the old historical pictures in my mind, but now in person. Ken
Owens was assisting a group of students from Santa Barbara area and one
actually had to be air lifted out (but is fine), the last day our volunteer
group was dropped off at Prisoners' Harbor and two of us did the hike over
to Pelican Bay, it was so much fun to see all these places and buildings in
person. I was a kid in a candy shop.

 

Yesterday the IPCO three hour boat ride out to San Miguel was certainly
worth the long trip! Sunny skies and a little wind chop. Truly. I have never
seen so many whales. There were too many to count so with the help of IPCO's
Steve we estimated 50 in a one mile radius and there were so many many more
in the beyond. The most predominate behavior was lunge feeding.  Lola and I
were busy on the three hour ride out.but we didn't have to talk much as the
whales took over. Cpt. Anthony was also aboard and he confirms what a
spectacular day we had. Cpt. Mike zipped us over close to the beaches of San
Miguel and we had very close looks at the elephant seals mixed with sea
lions. To top off this rare day, all the way into painted cave.and it was
very colorful! A quick note here: 5 guest came on the recommendation of
naturalists who talked to passengers about our channel when they were in the
bays of Mexico!

 

Today I was booked for visitor center but ended up leading the second hike
up to Cavern Point as they was no way Don could get back in time from the
first hike. I felt a bit obligated to spend the rest of the time in the
visitor center area since my hike took me away and I was so glad to have
some awesome conversations with Tom Gherini.  He was filled with wonderful
stories of his past 50 years on the island. I had a second trip to the candy
shop.

 

Mega pod of common dolphin took us home along with Don G.'s funny travel
stories and a few tired passenger questions. It was a lovely few days. Kat.

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