[CINC] IPCO Whale Watch June 30, 2013

[A ROSE MESSINA]

Sightings:
1000 Common Dolphins
3 Risso's Dolphins
4 Humpbacks including one mother/calf pair and our old friend Rope

We left the harbor and headed west in our search with increasing seas and winds, with many sick passengers.  We traveled past the east end of Santa Rosa before turning back.   As we hugged the shore of Santa Cruz Captain Dave gave a wonderful narrative, then tucked in at Painted Cave. Passengers were amazed at the cave and especially with Captain Dave's piloting skills.  We encountered the Risso's in this area. 

From there we headed northeasterly in search of whales, and did we find them!  The birds were feeding and diving--gulls, shearwaters, pelicans; the dolphins and sea lions were in the mix; and we had two adult males and the cow-calf pair to observe.  We saw many tail lobs, shows of flukes and a breach!  We were in the area for an hour before we had to turn toward shore.  

Extremely happy and satisfied passengers were from Tahiti, England, Florida, Kansas, Washington, Illinois and Southern California. 

Thanks to Captain Dave, Lisa and Matt for a great day. 

Rose Messina, Debbie Shelley Naturalists
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