[CINC] Ipoc islander 2/4/11

[Debbie shelley]

DAY OF THE DOLPHINS!!!!!
 
Am trip
2 gray whales (first north bound according to Caption Anthony)
1800 common dolphins 2 sightings
2 elephant seals and 1 pup
200+ sea lions
 
Am trip about 20 people most local some from back east trying to escape the cold.  One gentleman had lived in Ventura for 10 years and moved away and was visiting this week, it was his first time out to see the islands and whale watch.  It was a great day, big swell going out, nobody got sea sick and everyone was in awe of all the dolphins.
We encountered 2 gray whales that were north bound( first ones seen by Captain Anthony)   Then saw about 1000 common dolphin. Round Anacapa Island an Saw hundreds of sea lions thermo regulating and more on shore.  Also saw the 2 elephant seals and one pup.  On the way home we encounter another pod of about 700 common dolphins.
 
 
2 bottlenose dolphins
4 grays
5000 common dolphins
 
Pm trip
About 25 people mostly local some europeans  2 bottle nose dolphins as soon as we exited the harbor,  One lone gray whale that was very friendly seemed to swim at the surface most of the time.   Cruised out to east end of Santa Cruz inland and came upon 3 gray whales.  All the whales on this trip were south bound.  Ended the trip by cruising Anacapa from east to west.  All the passengers were impressed with the shear cliffs.  On the way back we came across a mega pod of 5000 common dolphins.  It was totally awesome dude.  Everyone  was impressed.  I forgot on our first trip Captain Anthony stop in a pod of dolphins to pick up a bunch of trash and some balloons, and gave a good talk on if you choose balloons to pop them instead of letting them go.   Linda Hitt was a great help as I am not the best with local sites in Ventura.   Debbie Shelley 		 	   		  
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