[CINC] NOON TRIP ON THE CONDOR 2/25/2012

[Vivi Teston]

What an extraordinary day spent in the Santa Barbara Channel by 100
passengers from many foreign countries , many states around the US , a few
locals , Captain Matt, Dave , Matt in the galley & the naturalists Bart,
Brian, Laura as PID & myself as well as Bob Perry & Eric Zimmerman .

It was a chilly day even before we left the harbor and the passengers
unlike many trips leaving the harbor were fully prepared with jackets, hats
, scarves & even gloves, but with enthusiasm from the get go to venture out
in the cold in search of cetaceans.

We ventured towards where humpbacks had just been seen sighted on the AM
trip& didnt encounter any ( not right away ) but instead were delighted by
the sight of those Black dorsal fins moving swiftly through the water ,
travelling  like a pack of wolves through the sea, Yes, 5 Beautiful Orcas
all lined up in formation & as if that was not wonderful enough , there was
a Baby Orca amongst them . Capt. Matt kept the boat moving with them until
everyone had their fill of Killer whales & it was time to head off to look
for Humpbacks . Spouts off in the distance kept the crowd cheering &
excited & just as soon as we pulled into the Humpbacks  location a Full
Breach in the distance while others were doing tail lobs & pec slaps. I
believe the count was 4-5 in close vicintiy with other spouts off in the
distance. Suddenly one humpback was heading straight toward the boat &
again another Breach !! The passengers went wild. Tail flukes, lobs, pec
slaps & breaches what more could we want. All the activity of the whales &
moving from side to side on the boat kept the passengers minds off how
actually chilly it was . .

Just as we were turning to head for home a lone humpback surfaced near the
boat , gave a few breaths & gave us the Beautiful humpback tail fluke .. a
lasting memory burned into the memory of hearts, minds & cameras.

Luckily for us the 3PM trip had been cancelled on the CX , so when we
encountered 2 separate Pods of 500 Common Dolphins each, we were all able
to enjoy their incredible beauty , bow riding , jumping, spinning . I'm
sure the tip jar was full to thank the  Capt. & crew for a splendid day at
sea !


Vivi Teston  CINC
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