[CINC] CX whale-watching July 1

[lupe rasnow]

Hi Naturalists,

Sightings:

2 Blue Whales (mother and calf)
1 Blue Whale (alone)
3 different pods of Common Dolphins:
~ 25
~ 50 + group of ~ 15 Sea Lions
~ 150

Thanks to Captain Dave and his crew, most of us enjoyed great whale watching today (except for a handful nauseous passengers). Aboard CX were 83 passengers, both U.S. (Pa, Tx, Ca, NY) and international (Italian, Hungarian, Irish, Canadian, other)and Naturalists; Rose, Laura, John, Maria. We encountered the smallest of the Common's just out of the harbor. This set the stage for a wonderful day! The second pod of was even more special because of porpoising Sea Lions among the leaping Commons. We found the mother/calf pair around 11:30 a.m. and stayed with them for about an hour. The whales would swim on the surface, side by side, and dive for about 10-15 minutes. The passengers were absolutely amazed with the enormous Cetaceans. We left these whales and headed towards SCI. Along the way we came upon the last, and dispersed, pod of Commons. The adults, as well as the many kids onboard, were delighted. The lone Blue was spotted straight ahead of the boat, about 1.5 miles away, but by the time we got there, it was gone. Finally, we visited Painted Cave before returning to the SB Harbor with very satisfied, happy customers. Thanks again, CX and staff.
 
Maria G. Ornelas
maria at rasnowpeak.com

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