[CINC] Whale watching IP Saturday 3/24

[maria ornelas]

Hi Naturalists,

AM Trip:
4 adult Gray Whales (one of them covered with barnacles)
Small pod Common Dolphins
Elephant Seal in the water
Captain: Anthony
Staff: Thomas, Steve
85 passengers (25 senior citizens taking extension class at CSUCI), many locals.  

It was very windy and cold and all were happy to be onboard anyway. The ocean was oddly calm for being so windy. The group from CSUCI was very interested in learning about the whales, thus I was engaged by them until we found the whales, which were pretty close to Grace Oil Platform. The passengers were thrilled with the pod of four whales, who treated us to several beautiful flukes. The whales were heading north and traveled together. Captain teated us to Arch Rock. On the way back to harbor, we found the small pod of Commons to everyone's delight.

PM Trip:
128 passengers
4 adult Gray Whales 
Small pod Common Dolphins

Weather conditions were pretty similar to the morning trip. We had passengers from France, Peru, Texas, Minnesota, New York, and many locals. We encountered the pod of Grays close to Grace Oil Platform, and stayed with them for about 45 minutes. These whales were very energetic as they traveled north, slowly but steadily. Again, we were treated to many flukes and spouts, plus, they appeared to be frolicking as they swam. Passengers were happily taking pictures the whole time we were with the whales, and at Arch Rock. We encountered the Common Dolphins as we were returning to Ventura Harbor, more pictures taken again. No nauseous  passengers on either trip.

Maria G. Ornelas
maria at rasnowpeak.com

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