[CINC] Condor 12/29

[in]

Gray Whales  .............  10
Passengers   .............   33


A bit bumpy of a crossing to the SCI /SRI notch, but the wind abated and sea conditions calmed as well by the time we got there. Plastic bags distributed: zero! Several spouts noted in the vicinity; 2 Grays seen first, but then a pod of 6 proved to be more interesting. These were followed for a while as they fluked and cavorted a bit with each other. Technically, behaviors known as "whale hanky-panky".

Leaving the notch, the Condor cruised to painted cave where entry was discouraged by washing machine-like surge and swell. Two more separate Gray spouts noted but not pursued en route to the Cave. No dolphins today, but really spectacular clouds and sky! Nice crowd from such places as Norway, Colorado, Japan, Dallas and Vandenburg Village.

Thanks to Capt. Mat, Dave and Tasha for crewing!  Debbie Fedeleo on board as a Naturalist with yours truly on PID duty. 

Gary Delanoeye
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