[CINC] afternoon IPCO whale watch Feb. 21

[bill weinerth]

lone grey whale whose fluke was rounded off to look more like spoon than a tail, picked up off Scorpion Harbor headed east,about 100 common dolphins just a few miles off the Ventura Harbor,a Stellar sea lion on the south side near Arch Rock,125 passengers from all over the globe. Sea conditions were calm this afternoon.  Capt. Dave decided to head for SCI since we did not see whales on the rigg line  on the morning trip.We found a lone grey moving east at about three knots.  Its fluke was round, having lost the pointed tips from each side.  It would breath two or three times and dive for three to four minutes like clock work.We followed past San Pedro point,  backed off and let the Island Adventure take over the watch.The tour of AI's south was rich.  There were hundreds of sea lions - more than I've ever seen before - hauled out on the south facing beaches west of Arch Rock.We moved to the east end and noted a hugh bull up on one of the rocks.  It's massive neck and size had to be that of a Stellar sea lion.  It also was quite evasive, going directly into the water as we moved past.A few miles from Ventura Harbor we came upon a pod of common dolphins that were not interested in following the boat.Thanks to Capt. Dave, Paige, and Poncho.Bill Weinerth   		 	   		  
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