[CINC] Today on the Condor - 8 June 2011

[Rose Messina]

Humpbacks:  10, with many others in the area
Blues:		8, including a mother and calf

We had 26 passengers coming from Switzerland, Denmark, France,  
England, The Netherlands, Hawaii, Tucson, New York, Miami and Los   
Angeles.  One gentleman from England makes this trip every year and  
goes whale watching every day that he's here; today was Day 8 and  
he'll return for his last trip tomorrow before heading home.

Cloud cover varied from 20% to 50%.  We had three to four foot swells  
with Beaufort 4, moderate breeze.

We headed for the east end of Santa Cruz and were rewarded with 10  
humpbacks in six different sightings.  There were so many in the  
area, we had to pick and choose which ones to follow.  Most were busy  
feeding, so we weren't rewarded with their usual playful and showy  
behavior.

What an amazing day to see the Blues!  We encountered with a cow and  
calf that seemed content to slowly travel along the surface, allowing  
us to stay with them for a long time.  It was a real treat to spend  
so much time with them, and were amazed by the spectacularly large  
slick of red whale poop!

Thanks to Captains Mat and Dave for great piloting and, as usual,  
wonderful commentary.

Rose Messina, George Moore, Debbie Shelley, John Kuizenga PID