[CINC] Condor Express July 3

[Don Gillies]

The Condor headed out on an overcast day with flat seas directly South.  At about mid-channel we came upon 2 humpbacks traveling toward several large pods of common dolphins feeding on baitfish.  The humpbacks showed good flukes when they joined in the feeding.  There were also 2 or 3 Minke whales who also came quite close.  After enjoying the show, we headed to Santa Cruz and came upon large spouts just past the shipping lanes.  They turned out to be 4 blue whales.  One gave us a good fluke display quite nearby.  I was able to get good photo-ID shots on at least 2.  After that we went toward Painted Cave where we were able to approach easily with very little surge.  The trip home was uneventful with many happy passengers.

Natalie Swan and Marty Garey were Naturalists and Don Gillies PID.
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