[CINC] CX 2/24/13

[Tina Stephens]

12:00 trip only today ~

500 common dolphin
4 ER's


Great day on the water, close to the SB coast and water crystal clear!  Sun was warm, light breeze and little swell.  Our first encounter was a nice pod of common dolphins which sparked many questions from the passengers about the behavior of our local dolphins.  Captain Mat then took us up the coast a bit and to view three juvenile ER's which had been spotted.  Passengers had so many camera's going off it looked like The Oscars!  Ok, just kidding, but in light of the night, all had a wonderful opportunity to take spectacular photos.  With Dave on the mike, passengers learned much about how the grays travel, their habits and their intentions along the entire migration.  Many aboard were quiet surprised about the number of miles our ER's travel round trip. We also had a wonderful tour and accompanying narrative by Captain Mat regarding platform Holly.  


On the way back to the harbor, a footprint spotted by the Captain indicated another gray joining the local regatta, but s/he remained elusive.  Many of the passengers also enjoyed the up close and personal look at the magnificent sailboats, waving to crew  members aboard. Our passengers hailed from Carpenteria, Ohio, Michigan, Camarillo, Santa Barbara, Arizona and France.  

Special thanks to naturalists Sally Eagle (PID, who did indeed obtain some good shots) and Debbie Fedaleo for sharing their knowledge and suggestions to our two new trainees joining us aboard the Condor Express.  

A great day on the water! 


Capatain Mat, crew Dave and Tasha (spelling correct, I hope) in galley.  

Naturalists aboard; Sally Eagle (PID), Debbie Fedaleo and Tina Stephens 

Trainees Chuck Carter and Marsha Brumana shadowing.
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