2021 12-03 SB Channel
Morning high clouds burned off in the afternoon to reveal bright blue and sunny skies. Seas were calm and the morning surface was glassy. Sightings included: 1 humpback whale, 1 Minke whale, 250 long-beaked common dolphins and 150 California sea lions. In addition, the crew retrieved 3 deflated Mylar balloons from the ocean surface including a huge toy train replica balloon.
Five miles south of Goleta we came upon a small hot spot with several hundred dolphins, actively feeding seabirds, and a single humpback whale. The little whale breached three times close to the Condor Express.
Dave narrated a nice tour of the northern sea cliffs along the west end of beautiful Santa Cruz Island. He discussed its geological history, prehistory, and current environmental issues. The short but sweet tour concluded with a look inside the world’s longest sea cave, The Painted Cave. As the tour ended and we pulled away slightly from the island, we encountered a large mob of sea lions that were actively hunting. An entourage of sea birds followed the action.
Later, on the way home, we had a few quick looks at a single Minke whale.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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