2019 02-09 SB Channel
Although there was an early light rain, by the time we left the dock and got into the Santa Barbara Channel conditions had turned nice and sunny. Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express ran across the entire Santa Barbara Channel to the western region of beautiful Santa Cruz Island and had many nice sightings both coming and going. Totals for the tip include 2 humpback whales, 1 gray whale and 600 long-beaked common dolphins.
The cetacean show got underway just a few miles out from the harbor where a large group of dolphins located the Condor Express. The group was spread out over more than a mile of ocean, and as we ran alongside the marvelous animals took turns riding our bow, stern and side waves.
In the mid-Channel region, both on the way over to the island and again on our return, we encountered one (different) humpback whale. Coincidentally, both whales spent a lot of time kelping. The first one tended to rub its back in the seaweed and do a lot of rolling. The second draped the algae on its tail and flukes. Perhaps it is the humpback equivalent of a loofa?
Near Santa Cruz Island a wonderful southbound gray whale was intercepted and watched as it traversed the island sea cliffs. A nice visit to the world-famous Painted Cave revealed the marvelous wet season waterfall that runs from and island stream and falls directly to the water at the mouth of the cavern. Captain Tasha took a nice photo and has shared it with us.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
Comments