[CINC] Whale Watch July 5, 2013 on IPCO's Island Explorer

[Bonne Brown]

Ah...where to begin.

We had calm winds, flat seas, and an overcast sky that gave way to sun for
the ride down the north shore of Santa Cruz to Prisoners after a visit to
Painted Cave.

Our first sighting was a pod of 350 Common Dolphin doing what they do and
bringing smiles to the 130 passengers aboard.

Next up were 4 Blue Whales that were kind enough to show us their flukes.
 That got the attention of the group.

Now that the passengers were warmed up, we came upon 4 Humpback whales that
gave us a few tail shots but were uninterested in performing.  The whales
were close to the boat so the passengers loved the pictures they were
getting.

Then, off in the distance, Captain Dave Corey spotted a very large pod of
(3000) common dolphin and a contingent of birds (sooty shearwaters, Western
gull, California brown pelican) stirring up the water, so we headed in that
direction.  Then came the spouts from all around us in every direction.
 There were 15 Humpback adults and one calf feeding on what the dolphins
provided.  There were many wonderful fluke displays which really delighted
the passengers from Ohio, Virgina, France and many parts of California.  We
stayed with them for quite awhile as they really put on a show.  There were
a few breeches but mostly just fantastic fluke shots at close range.  I
encouraged the folks to submit them to the American Cetacean Society for
identification.  I hope they do.

After the always wonderful trip into Painted Cave and the cruise down the
North shore of Santa Cruz and a brief stop at Prisoners to pick up some
folks we were rewarded with 6 Rissos Dolphins, which most of the passengers
were unfamiliar with so that was fun.  Then shortly before returning to the
harbor we ended the day with 500 Common Dolphins welcoming us back home.

Even though the boat was crowded everyone "played well together" so all
could have a positive experience observing these amazing animals.  It was
an honor and a pleasure to be available for questions from this wonderful
group.

Captain Dave Corey, Steve Silvas and Dee Dee (D2) Anderson-Beaman were
great fun to sail with.


Bonne Brown
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