2019 09-27 SB Channel
Yesterday’s ground fog lifted to a high, all-day stratus layer today. Seas were calm and flat. A trans-Channel trip that included a visit to Santa Cruz Island resulted in the following sightings: 6 humpback whales and 2000 long-beaked common dolphins.
On the way across in the morning Captain Dave and the crew first located mammals in The Lanes. Hundreds of dolphins and 4 nice whales were in the region. The whales started out as a pair and two single whales, but all dispersed and went their own way after some great looks. This sighting featured some surface lunge feeding by the pair, in plain view so everyone could enjoy.
This trip also featured a narrated visit to the majestic sea cliffs along the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island. Dave summarized the main points of this island’s origin, prehistoric indigenous people, its natural resources as well as changes that have taken place since the National Park Service and Nature Conservancy took over. The visit culminated in a peek inside the world’s longest sea cave, the Painted Cave.
On the journey north to the harbor two additional whales were watched in an area south of The Lanes. One of the two did a lot of rolling around, swimming upside down with pectorals in the air, and some vocalizing. What fun. Dolphins were in abundance here, too.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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