[CINC] Islander 3/16/2013

[Norma Hogan]

AM - 

 

Two Small Pods of about 200 Common Dolphins (one pod on the outbound trip,
one on the inbound)

Four (4) Grey Whales

Sea Lions

 

Heavy marine layer was with us most of the morning, but it did start
breaking up as we entered the passage between Anacapa and Santa Cruz.  Here
is where the crew and visitors were entertained by the Greys.  They didn't
seem to mind us being there and so we stayed until it was time to head back
to the harbor.  As always the visitors on the boat loved the dolphins as
they swam with the boat. Many of the passengers on the boat were local and
included some from Simi and the San Fernando Valley and a few were repeat
whale watchers.  We did have folks from Montana and Kansas on board.  

 

PM - 

 

Two Grey Whales

Dolphins

One (very curious and frisky) Humpback

 

The afternoon trip started with a clearing sky and a bunch of excited
passengers.  Dolphins greeted us early in the trip and got everybody's
attention.  Then we spotted a couple grey whales who really didn't like our
company.  We tracked them for a bit then the crew decided it was time to
leave these guys alone and find other whales.  We came upon a lone humpback
who really liked our company.  Not only did this guy hang around but swam
very close to the boat, several times,  amazing the passengers on board.
Passengers on board included some folks from Texas and a group of about 30
older folks from Tulare.

 

My thanks to the Captain and very able crew who continue to teach not only
the guest passengers on board but also us 'newbie' (and all) naturalists.
And many thanks to Rose Messina for her invaluable insight and willingness
to share.

 

Norma 

 

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