2016 03-13 SB Channel
Post-storm winds and NOAA small craft warnings were supposed to be up today, but as Captain Dave and his Condor Express crew made their way into the Santa Barbara Channel, they were met with much nicer conditions. Totals for the single excursion included 7 gray whales and 75 long-beaked common dolphins. Here are the details.
12 noon Calm seas. Not far offshore we hooked up with a trio of northbound gray whales. They were easy to follow as the inshore waters have cleared up a little bit. This group showed tail flukes quite often which gave their fans many “Kodak moments.” After a while a pod of about 75 common dolphins passed through and we were able to play with them for a while. At this point the winds were picking up just a bit.
Moving off to the south we found another group of gray whales on their way to Alaska for the summer which included 4 individuals. Again, good looks were had by all. Now the winds and seas NOAA warned about were filling-in. Fortunately we were at the end of our trip and able to somewhat put the seas on our stern for a comfortable ride home.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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