[CINC] IPCo Islander, Ventura. MORNING RUN, 3/28/13

[Ralph M. Daniel, Ph.D.]

CINC, Ralph Daniel (newest member, certify today), Larry Driscoll
(trainer), Roberta Sota (recently certified)



*The people:* We had a full boat, with ~50 excited 2nd graders from
Valencia Legacy Christian School, their teachers, and ~45 parents. There
were also a few other young couples from S. California with 2 year-olds
aboard as well. The 2nd graders were quite well behaved, and had actually
learned something about whales at school before the trip; i.e., they knew
the difference between baleen and toothed whales! The boys were a bit more
interested in learning about orcas and sharks than the girls. The girls
were intrigued with how baleen hangs from the upper jaw, particularly when
I held the baleen sample near my upper lip.



*The whales:* We had an extremely calm, though overcast morning. In spite
of the limited visibility we spotted 2 shy mostly-snorkeling gray whales,
later a group of 3 bolder grays (one juvenile) who allowed us to get
excellent views of them diving, swimming, with good fluke views, and
finally a fin whale near the western tip of Anacapa (my first fin sighting
ever!). And to the great joy of all, especially the kids, we encountered a
small pod of 25 or so common dolphins on the return to Ventura.

Everyone was delighted with the trip.



*Intro talk:* Contrary to what all of us have read, the captains at Island
Packers are very supportive of and desire us to continue to give an
introductory talk as the boat is about to head out. Captain Dave encouraged
us to give the talk, “just don’t tell them everything on the way out, save
some for later in the boat ride”. Dave and his co-captain gave quite
extensive comments as well on various marine mammals over the PA.



Ralph Daniel
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