[CINC] Islander 7/16

[Dean Benjamin]

16 Humpbacks

2000 Common Dolphins

 

Through unexpectedly rough seas and winds, Captain Anthony did a great job
of steering a relatively smooth and merciful course, heading West initially
and then arcing toward the West end of Santa Cruz. 

 

We met up with the Condor Express and ultimately had a bonanza of whales
everywhere, mostly traveling slowly and displaying flukes, but there were a
couple of breaches and some wonderful surface lunge feeding.  Dense bait
balls were visible on the surface.  Joining the whales were dolphins, sea
lions, and birds galore.  I learned that large quantities of krill are
mysteriously washing up on the beaches and that this may be why we are
seeing only sporadic sightings of Blue Whales.  Passengers were from
Sacramento, San Francisco, Chicago, Chapel Hill NC, Phoenix, Houston, and
Hawaii.  We cruised back along the North shore of SC, visited the Painted
Cave, Andrea (eagle eye) spotted a Peregrine Falcon soaring above the
cliffs, and we picked up some Park visitors a Prisoners before heading home.

 

Assisting Capt. Anthony were Andrea and Paige and Marsha B of our naturalist
corps.

 

Dean

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