[CINC] Condor EX Aug 20

[garydel at aol.com]

 Just the facts for Saturday, 8/20...

Blues .................. 3
Humps ................ 2
Commons ............ 2000+

Capt. Dave powered the Condor about 35 miles out, where the first whales were seen north of San Miguel. For the next hour passengers (about 90) were thrilled to see two Blues feeding on the surface. As the Blues moved on the mother/calf humpback pair took over and repeatedly fed at the surface appearing oblivious to the Condor that at times was within 50 yards. Beautiful views of baleen, tongues, throats were offered up many times. Poor krill... they didn't have a chance! Many other spouts were seen widely dispersed at a distance. The third Blue cruised by just as Capt. Dave pointed the Condor home. Soon thereafter the first pod of Commons appeared and grew to over a thousand as passengers watched. The second large pod appeared about half hour out of port.

Gray skies all day except near SB on the return. Fair wind, maybe 10-15 knots, and Beaufort 3... apparently much calmer than yesterday!

Capt. Dave, Denis and Brooke on deck and Cary Stevens and Brian Resnik interpreting. As for me, the PID guy, no humpy flukes today and only 3 mediocre Blue photos. But the passengers with cameras got lots of really great feeding shots!!!

Gary Delanoeye


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