[CINC] Whale Watch June 28, IPCO Island Explorer

[Bonne Brown]

 Joanna Guttman and I had a great day Thursday aboard IPCO's Island
Explorer.
We were joined by an amazing group of 58 passengers from Singapore, Finland
and throughout the US.
One lady had never seen a whale so I put her in charge of finding them.
 She took the job very seriously and was fun to watch.

We left the harbor in flat seas and thick fog, which opened up later,
mid-channel, and provided us with sun when the whales appeared.

We saw 3 pairs of humpbacks throughout the morning off Scorpion and
Prisoners.  The first two were juveniles but weren't in the mood to show
off for us. But, as Capt Jimmy says, "it's the most fun you can have
watching an animal breathe."

The next two were headed for a small pod of dolphins because they new they
had rounded up food.  When they reached the pod they started lunge feeding
and the dolphins gave up and left.  The passengers loved it!

The last two put on quite a performance, much to the delight of my first
timer as well as the seasoned whale watchers.  They spyhopped, tail lobbed,
pec slapped, and breached.  I am hoping the folks that got amazing pictures
will share them so they will be on the IPCO Facebook page.  My lady who had
never need a whale was in tears.

In addition to our whales we saw 3300 common dolphin, and 5 Rissos dolphin.
 Also a school of small mola, mola.  Birds included were sooty shearwaters,
pigeon guillemot, western gull, California brown pelican.

The trip to painted cave was wonderful as usual and the passengers were
overwhelmed with it's size.

Captain Jimmy, Paige and Matt were a delight to sail with and the
passengers agreed as many of them came to the office and submitted
commendations.  Nicely done.

I am scheduled to do it all over again on July 5th and can hardly wait.

Bonne Brown
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