[CINC] 9/11/13 CX trip

[Sally Eagle]

6 humpbacks
2 minkes
500 common dolphins

Rae Emmett
Sally Eagle

Capt Dave
Tasha
Cassidy

What a spectacular day on the Summerland/Carpinteria “flats”. Ya, ya, you’ve read this all before. But it really was special. And, did I mention we were right off Summerland and Padaro Beach? No hour travelling out in the Channel on the hunt.  There was plenty of food for all the pelicans, shearwaters, terns, gulls, common dolphins, sea lions as well as for the whales right there near shore. We could see those commons busily herding up the fish while the others partook in the feast. It was great to see all the action. We had lunge feeding, pec slapping, bubble blowing, fluking, rolling, spy hopping each a textbook example of what we talk about, and each behavior illustrated up close. Three pairs of humpbacks spread out over the area each put on a show, culminating with Rope and her pal’s unbelievable piece. The first pair were showing “feeding behavior”, the second “logging” and “breaching.”  The best came last; Rope and pal were ballerinas, showing off their grace and finesse coming within inches of the CX, twirling and swirling first on this side, then that. Yes, they spayed us with their “perfume” and “talked” to anyone who’d listen. Love the sound of the scattering anchovies (anchovy “rain’?) prior to breaking of the surface by open-mouthed humpbacks. 

There was a small motor boat that sped up to our area as we encountered Rope and pal to be treated to much the same action. The whales checked them out first, spyhopping inches away from the rail of their small boat. We all jealously watched the two men as they photographed their adventure with Rope and pal and were the center of their attention; but with a few graceful backstrokes it was our turn. And what a show. Sadly, after watching almost an hour with our engines idling, we had to leave this final pair and get back to port. 

I was particularly grateful to spend 9/11 in such awesome company.
Sally Eagle

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