[CINC] CX, 2/1

[John Kuizenga]

The numbers for 2/1 are as follows:

    200 Common Dolphins
      30 Risso Dolphins
        1 Gray Whale
      25 Porpoising Sea Lions

While wind and swell where minimal 4-5 miles out of SB Harbor, clouds
hovering over the west end of SCI foretold of building wind out of the west,
and the likelihood of bumpy seas once we were out of the lee of Pt
Conception. As we approached mid-channel the wind ratcheted up, resulting in
a short period swell off the starboard beam and a few bilious passengers.
Here we also encountered a group of 200 Common Dolphin working their way up
(west) the SB Channel.  Skipper Dave turned the boat and all aboard had good
view of Commons bow riding, jumping and darting hither and fro, while a
large contingent (10%) of youngsters did an admirable job of keeping pace
with the adults. As we approached SCI in the area of Arch Rock we
encountered a group of 30 Risso¹s, which thanks to Capt. Dave adapt driving,
the sun behind us, we had great looks at them. Their colors ran the gamut
from almost totally white, to dark with few teeth marks.  Clear skies and
clear water gave them a vibrancy and the illusion of being closer than they
actually were. At this point half of the group of 17 passengers were
experiencing the effects of bumpy seas and we headed east, down swell, about
I/2 to l mile off the north face of SCI in search of Gray¹s. The Island was
looking lush with coreopsis beginning to bloom and potreros (sp?) as green
as watered, cultivated fields. We searched for some time, but not until we
were near Potato Bay did we discover the blow of one very shy juvenile Gray
traveling east by him/herself.  We followed for thirty minutes and I did
manage three fluke shots for what was my total PID production for the day.
We continued on to the east end of SC (off San Pedro Point) and that was our
point of return to SB.

The crew of, Capt. Dave, Dennis and Matt were on top of their game, as usual
and in spite of the some rocking and rolling it was a great trip!  Talked
with passengers from England, the Bay Area and Las Vegas and many of whom
asked great questions during the pre-trip briefing.

John Kuizenga, PID, Naturalist, Apprentice Cook and Bottle Washer! -  In
other words, running solo today
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