Captain Eric ran the show today and took the Condor Express out into the moderate seas and winds. It was slow-going due to the elements, but the Condor handles moderate seas very well and it was a fun and safe trip. Just south of the 50-fm curve several small, widely scattered hot spots were observed. Along with the 1,200 or so total long-beaked common dolphins, sea birds, and sea lions there were 4 humpback whales watched. Curiously, all four whales had dark tail flukes and Eric concluded they were NOT the same whales we’ve been encountering over the past week or so which had various spots and markings of white. Watching the whales and dolphins busting through the waves and seeing their spout spray flying in the breeze is a fantastic way to beat the inland summer heat wave.
Later in the trip Eric checked the area near the East Santa Barbara Channel data buoy, where all our life was located yesterday, but nothing was found there today. A lone Minke whale was spotted once, but with the sea conditions some of our whale watchers may have missed it. The trip home was more comfortable but no more cetaceans were to be had.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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