2015 06-11 SB Channel
Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express found 4 humpback #whales in the Santa Barbara Channel with at least 200 long-beaked common #dolphins, then a great trip to the world famous Painted Cave on Santa Cruz Island.
The first and last whale sighting was in the same general region south of the oil rigs where Rope and a larger “buddy” humpback were feeding. After the first sighting with good looks Captain Dave headed for the Painted Cave. Two interesting and unique things about today’s Cave penetration: there were pelagic red crabs in the water, and the little waterfall that runs down the fault line was in action (albeit a trickle).
On the way home we ran across the same area with Rope and her pal, and 2 other whales had joined them. The spot had gotten hot with lots of sea birds, especially sooty shearwaters, and the whales did some vertical lunge feeding to thrill their fans on the Condor. Although the Channel was covered with a thin overcast, the Island was sunny and bright.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express