[CINC] IPCO Fri 6 April

[Kenneth A. Tatro]

Hi folks,

AM
20 Bottle Nose Dolphin
(2 Grays) Seen only by the skipper and a couple of the 95 folks so board, not seen by the two Naturalist.

Shortly out of the Ventura harbor we encountered the Bottle Nose leisurely swimming about. Folks we delighted, hoping this was a good sign of the day.

Yet, with a good 4-5 foot swell and much white capping, we soon had several folks on the stern, nursing the queezies. 

The rest of the trip was seemingly in vain as far as whales were concerned. Headed west out of the harbor to the Platform ridge line and then turned east cruising the ridge in search. Finding none, we went on to Anacapa's south side taking in the many Sea Lions sunning themselves on those southern AI beaches. As we approached, several rose up and headed for the water, to the delight of the folks on board. Coming an around AI Arch, folks were delighted at the beauty of the the area. Cameras were out and humming.

Time to return, with no whale sitings under our belt, just out side of the harbor a good bit, Captain Jimmy stopped the boat upon suddenly siting two gray whales right in front of us. He was as startled as were the two Grays. Yet, after hanging around for a good time and late for our return, we finally had to figure they had buzzed off, surfacing well out of sight. 

PM

100 Common Dolphin
No Whales

This trip we angled out and headed for SCI waters. The wind was suppose to increase in the afternoon, but did the opposite, quieting down quite a lot, yet with still some not feeling that great, most did very well.

In the steady, yet not fast, crossing we came on the Commons as they played with us and we with them. As usual, the folks we delighted. Babies were in the group, which added to the good pleasure of the folks. Still looking for the Grays (or Humpbacks), we approached SCI at about Platts Harbor, I would say, and turned east, cruising very close to give the folks a good sense of this area of SCI. The folks were quite delighted and taking may pictures of the features, birds and wave action on the cliffs. Even some members of the human species were spotted on the cliff tops above. One, a friendly, was even waving to us, or that is what we guessed that individual was doing. Being a wild animal, it is hard to tell why they do what they do. But we enjoyed it anyway.

We made a stop at Scorpion Harbor to pick up a good number of campers returning to the mainland. 

Heading back, it was a beautiful palmy day, yet still with a good breeze, so some of the young folks had a great time making sure they got themselves well soaked in the port side spray.

No whales this day, not for a good solid try of cruising to find them.

Folks from all over as usual, Switzerland, Michigan, Texas, Louisiana, Philadelphia, with a good representation  of locals enjoying the day, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Newberry Park filled out the crowds.

Captain Jimmy, and Crew of Mike and Luke did their usual fine job of seeking them out, and keeping the folks happy.

Tom Boyd was my sidekick Naturalist on this trip, always a fun day with him on board.

Ken Tatro