[CINC] Condor 1/18

[in]

5 Grays
2000+ Commons
Gazillion Sea Lions... minus 1
4 ORCAS!

Calm, sunny, unlimited visibility today; about 30 guests from Chile, France, Austria, Germany, Canada and exotic Chatsworth and Fresno, among others.,

First sighting, almost to the SCI/SRI notch, a huge pod of common dolphins. With numerous birds about, I believe the dolphins were dining.  Then, one lone Gray, very shy, with long down times. Then, Capt. Dave noted a pair of Grays that were almost as shy. These appeared ahead, then behind, then to the side. And then another pair... a bit more cooperative, but with no dramatic behavior and no flukes.

Next sighting... the largest raft of sea lions in my experience, perhaps also dining, and still inside the notch. On to Painted Cave, and on the way, many more sea lions on the rocks and in the water. Conditions allowed Capt. Dave to slip the Condor well inside the Cave. Many "Ooos and Ahhhhs" indeed!

Then, an uneventful float back to Santa Barbara... until about 20 minutes from home, and then the Condor made a hard right turn!  Capt. Dave, responding to a hot tip from an oil company ship, took us to the Orcas, dining on a sea lion (hence the revision of my sea lion count...above). First, 3 females playing with their food very actively. They were soon joined by a big male who proceeded to steal the show with pec-slapping, tail lobbing, breaching and very close encounters with the Condor. Best Orca encounter in my experience!! Check out the pictures on Condor's Facebook page.

In short, a GREAT day!  Thanks to Capt. Dave, Matt and Tasha. Lisa Angle, busy on PID, and Carolyn McCloskey and, yours truly, interpreting!

Gary Delanoeye


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