[CINC] Condor Express 7/16

[Dick Bellman]

It was a "Chamber of Commerce" day in the Santa Barbara Channel.  Here is
the bottom line:


   - 6 Blue Whales (with others nearby)
   - 20 Humpbacks (with many others nearby)
   - 800+ Common Dolphins

Captain Dave guided the CX into the SB Channel under grey skies, which by
noon had given way to blue skies and sunshine.  Spouts were located just
off the west end of Santa Cruz and when we arrived at this location the fun
began!!!!  Our initial sighting was of a Blue whale and in short order
there was another Blue in the same vicinity.  Spouts began springing up all
over.  The passengers, all 125 of them, were treated to some excellent
views of these monsters, including some show of tail flukes on their deep
dive.  Captain Dave altered the position of the CX just slightly and the
Humpback onslaught began.  Again, passengers were treated to fantastic
views:  multiple tail throws, some extremely close to the boat; trumpet
blowing, frisky display of pectorals, it was quite a sight.  Synchronized
tail flukes were commonplace and often very close to the boat.

Ultimately we moved closer to the island for our peak at Painted Cave.
 Upon leaving Painted Cave, Captain Dave spotted another Blue so we, of
course, stopped to take a look.  Being pressed for time Captain Dave
thanked the Blue for its "wave good-bye."  No sooner were the words out of
his mouth and another Blue popped up just of the port bow.  His good bye
fluke was even better.  We weren't done yet as we encountered another good
sized pod of Common Dolphins.

 Needless to say, it was one of those memorable days on the water.  Brooke
was extremely busy in the galley and Dennis was all over the boat helping
both Dave and Brooke.  Don Gillies was extremely busy on PID capturing the
multitude of tail flukes.  With the large number of passengers Bruce
Matthews was hustling around answering questions from the very inquisitive
passengers.  Yes, it was another great day in the channel.

Dick Bellman
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