[CINC] Island Adventure, 10Feb'3

[Kenneth A. Tatro]

Hi Folks,

One beautiful, if just a bit cool, day on the very nice waters of the Channel, with swell of 1-2 growing to 3-4 and no chop. NICE.

AM

1000 Common dolphin

PM

Two mega-pods of Common Dolphin, of about 2000 each, = 4000.

None of the Big Guys came by to entertain us.

On both trips, the folks were very happy to be out there on such a nice day. One couple from Washington, DC particularly enjoyed the more temperate weather, that is, from their perspective. Other folks from, Japan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Seattle, Pasadena, West L.A., Newport Beach, New Berry Park and Ventura also joined in for the beautiful ride.

And a beautiful ride it was, as we searched all over for the Grays or any of the other big ones that are here in the Channel. WE ventured down to Magu, then to Anacapa, arond behind AI, through the AI-SCI Gap and on toward Santa Barbara a good bit in an effort to spot some we heard were there.

The dolphin show was a big hit, as it usually is, with them darting in and out, many with little ones along side, others getting good air for the folks, and the oooos and ahhaaas were well expressed, again and again.

Around the back side of Anacapa, Sea Lions were hauled out on the beaches, and the crystal clear day showed the definition of the cliffs, foliage  of the island it great splendor richly. There were a few birds, and many Western Gull, which are now beginning to arrive for their annual nesting.

We got a report from the Islander, of their siting of the six grays, so we went after them, even though it was a bit of a reach, and it turned out they had gone in hiding by the time we arrived on scene.

Yet, as we said, the folks really enjoyed the day on the water, being it was such a beautiful one to be had.

Gotta hand it to Capt Lee for his major effort in seeking these, for today, elusive cetaceans. Crew of Louri and Thomas gave good narration and took care of the folks well.

Ken Tatro