[CINC] Whales, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Chimpanzees

[Bart Francis]

The Count: 11 grays (10 in the gap between Rosa and Cruz and 1 mid-channel), 25 Rissos (near Painted Cave) and 200 Commons just off of SB. We also had a close up look at 2 Mature male bald eagles posed majestically on the rocky ledge of Fraser Point at the west end of SCI.
In addition, we had the special treat of a group from The Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute who brought on board 3 sea lions who they had been rehabilitating and were now ready for release into the wild. This was done near Painted Cave to great applause from the 50 or so passengers who witnessed the ceremony.
Finally, one of our passengers was none other than Jane Goodel, the famous chimpanzee naturalist, and now a tireless advocate of conservation education and environmental projects. You can imagine our surprise and delight! Thank goodness it was a great day for wildlife viewing.
The other naturalist was Tamara Thompson, and PID was John Kryzenga.
Bart Francis