Captain Dave set a course for the southwestern Santa Barbara Channel under sunny skies and hardly any wind. The ocean surface, however, was a little bumpy due to strong winds in the far western Channel region. It was a solid whale watching day with over 2,000 long-beaked common dolphins, 3 humpback whales and a nice encounter with a blue streak under the surface.
As the Condor Express moved to the southwest the surface chop increased. Common dolphins intercepted the boat about 8 miles south of Holly, and everyone got great looks. Dave continued on course for a short while but in order to keep the ride more comfortable for everyone, altered course to the east. This took place just north of The Lanes.
As the boat moved easterly there were additional large dolphin herds. Soon a single humpback whale came into view. This humpback whale did three mighty chin-slaps in succession. Before long two additional humpback whales were sighted in the same region. Later on the same track a sub-surface blue streak was located. It turned out to be a 50-foot blue whale that appeared to be logging just under the choppy ocean surface. It came up for air then returned to logging three times as whale fans on board the Condor enjoyed the experience. Finally the giant arched-up and made a final descent into the deep and was not seen again by us.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob “Blue Streak” Perry Condor Express
Comments