Another mugging on the high seas takes place… and much more!
- Bob Perry
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
2025 08–02 SB Channel
Once again there was a gray stratus layer most of the day, with a light breeze late in the trip. A small, long period swell rolled through the channel. Captain Eddy and the crew drove southwest past the farm, turned southeast for a mile or so, then returned to the harbor. Sightings for the day included: 1500 common dolphins, 1 Minke whale, 15 California sea lions, and 9 humpback whales (we closely watched 6 of them).
There were small pods of common dolphins all day, starting with a group of 300 north of the farm. They were mostly located in areas with dolphins and whales. This does not surprise anyone! Similarly, small groups of feeding sea lions were similarly distributed.
There were two major sighting points today, and the first one was just a bit southwest of the farm where a tight trio of whales were observed. Shortly after our arrival, 2 of them headed off together and we watched the remaining medium size individual for about 20 minutes. It became interested in the Condor Express right away and mugged us, up and down both sides. Everyone had spectacular looks. (See today’s photo for an example).
The second point came after we turned southeast and found an area with 6 more whales. We ended up closely watching 3 of them, as mentioned in the intro. First there was a pair that was milling around making short dives. They swam in random directions that made it difficult to stay with them. Next, we caught up with the remaining individual and watched it for a while. It was a bit shy, but it was the only whale today that showed its tail flukes.
On the way home Captain Eddy and the crew saw a single Minke whale and pointed it out, but we did not stop and It was probably not seen by everyone.
You never know what mother nature has in store
Bob Perry
Note: the interior of California is heating up and that keeps this gray stratus layer over the coastal waters.
