[CINC] Island Adventure February 22, 2013

[Rose Messina]

A.M. Sightings
5 Gray Whales
2000 Common Dolphins

As we left the harbor we circled the buoy to view the two preening Stellar Sea Lions--to everyone's delight.  Great view!  We headed toward Scorpion to drop some passengers, but detoured for the great crowd of dolphins who approached the boat and gave everyone a thrill.   We continued toward scorpion and encountered 2 grays traveling slowly with many shows of flukes.  After dropping passengers at Scorpion, we were headed for home, but again came upon 3 more gray whales with the same behaviors. 


P.M.  Sightings
6 Gray Whales
2500 Common Dolphins
Elephant Seal and pup

On the afternoon trip we headed east to search for whales who might be coming up the coast.  Not having much luck we headed toward Anacapa when a passenger sighted whales along the escarpment.  We stayed with those 4 whales--again, slow travel and lots of flukes--then headed toward Anacapa.  Next we were surrounded by dolphins again, who seemed to bask in the attention of the passengers--or perhaps the food they were enjoying.   The passengers were thrilled with the close look at Anacapa, the great narrative, and the sunny weather.  After spending some time on the south side watching the sea lion rookery, including the elephant seal and pup, it was time to head home.  However, on the trip back we came across two more gray whales!

A great day on the water! 

Happy passengers were from Ohio, Florida, Nevada, Utah, North Dakota, Italy, Belgium and points within California.  

Thanks to Captain Jimmy, Jean and Steve for a great day. 

Rose Messina, Linda Hitt