[CINC] IPCo Whale Watching 3/28/12

[Tina Armbruster-Stephens]

AM Trip:
1 Stellar sea lion on the buoy 

Small pod common dolphins at harbor entrance
2 Pacific Gray Whales 

PM Trip:
1 male sea lion with small harem on the buoy (prominent sagital crest)
Large pod common dolphins (1,000)

A wonderful time on the water with calm seas and morning sun giving way to a very eerie fog swirling around the peaks on Anacapa for the afternoon load of passengers.  We stayed with the morning pair of grays for about 40 minutes.  Both allowed the passengers to take plenty of photos of tail flukes.  We then traveled the northern length of Anacapa so passengers could view the marine and bird life along the water's edge, Frenchy's Cove, sea caves and the light house. Lots of wonderful questions and discussions on board about the recovery efforts made to all of the islands.  Afternoon trip went without spotting any whales but we had a large pod of commons entertain us with tail slapping and high dives.  Another trip to the island for a beautiful view of the Anacapa coastline and Arch Rock.  Plenty of birders on board both trips, many folks from the Gordon Convention and a group of 40 youngsters from Piru elementary on the AM trip.  


What a great day thanks to Capt. Anthony at the helm, Jean and Luke as crew and providing narration.  Passengers most impressed with all the info and knowledge gained through the narratives provided. 

Thanks to all aboard for a delightful ocean day.
Tina Armbruster Stephens
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