[CINC] Condor Express October 27, 2011

[Rose Messina]

Sightings:  3 pods of dolphins for a total of around 600
		 a few sea lions near the whales and dolphins
		 4 humpbacks

We had a terrific sunny day without the predicted East winds.  The  
passengers were pleased to be so close to the oil platforms on the  
way out and thrilled with Captain Dave's commentary.

We headed east to look for whales, accompanied by dolphins.  First we  
found the Humpback "Rope" cruising solo.  She was not interested in  
us but continued in a fairly straight line surface feeding. The crowd  
was excited to be able to closely observe her.  After staying with  
her for a long while, we turned around to see if we could find the  
two whales the Captain had located earlier.   We were surprised to  
see that there were three whales feeding, sometimes cruising side-by- 
side in formation.  At one point there was a lone sea lion  
accompanying one of the whales doing a good job of joining the  
formation.

Passengers were From England, Germany, Austria, New York, Indiana,  
and California.  One young German man who attended UCSB says he  
visits Santa Barbara often and never misses going on the Condor  
Express.  To quote him, "These guys are just the best!"

Thanks to Captain Dave, Dennis and Matt for another incredible  
experience.

Rose Messina, Tina Armbruster-Stephens, Carolyn McClusky PID