2020 11-19 SB Channel
Some might call it divine intervention. Others recognize the skills and experience of Captain Dave. After finding zero visibility fog on the whale grounds, a small clear patch of sun (also known as a “sucker hole”) resulted in: 2 giant blue whales and 1000 long-beaked common dolphins.
There was general 1 mile visibility fog as we ran south from Santa Barbara Harbor, but the aforementioned zero viz conditions hit just past the NOAA mid-Channel buoy. Dave, his talented crew, and his instrument panel slowly continued through the general area where we’ve had a lot of sightings this month. Dolphins located the Condor Express and stayed with us for several miles.
About 5 miles north of the Fraser Point we made our turn to the east, and paralleled the island. This is where the one and only window of blue sky and sunshine helped us fulfill our mission. First a single giant blue came to the surface and moments later, a second showed up. We had wonderful looks at these magnificent beasts until, at last, the window shut and we were enveloped once again by fog.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store.
Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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