[CINC] Islander 6/25

[Dean Benjamin]

Statistics:

7 Blue Whales including 1 juvenile

5 Humpbacks

2,000 Common Dolphins

 

It began with dense fog, but by the time we dropped off some folks at
Prisoners, blue skies started to peek through and the winds began to blow.
We cruised the shoreline of SCI and despite the freshening winds and
building seas, Captain Lombardi got us well into Painted Cave.  Then off to
the west end of SCI where we came upon a pod of 1,000 Common Dolphins.
Continuing west, we landed in the krill garden where there were lots of Blue
and Humpback Whales.  The numbers observed were greater than the official
number reported.  Behavior included a great deal of surface lunge feeding.
The seas continued to build as did the winds and a quarter of the passengers
had some difficulty, but they loved the experience none the less (I heard
many saying so as they departed).  Passengers were from the UK, Indiana, San
Diego, Palm Springs..  On the way home, we saw another pod of Common
Dolphins, perhaps more than the 1,000 recorded but it was such a dense
congregation, it was unlike anything I had ever seen. 

 

Along with Captain Anthony were Luke and Andrea and naturalist Linda Hitt.
Great job Anthony, managing through the many animals, rough seas, high
winds, keeping safe, and making it as smooth as you did.  Anyone who has had
to sail or heave to in such conditions can appreciate such skill.

 

Dean enjamin

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