2019 11-14 SB Channel
It was a cool, calm day in the Santa Barbara Channel with a high stratus layer. Captain Dave and the crew of the Condor Express traversed the entire Channel in search of wildlife and amazing sights. Totals included 7 humpback whales, 2500 long-beaked common dolphins and 1 Mola mola (ocean sunfish).
Dolphins were scattered everywhere but large pods formed-up just north of The Lanes. This is where most of the whales were congregated too. Sub-surface bait supplies kept loads of predatory birds and California sea lions occupied as well.
Dave took the Condor along the majestic sea cliffs of Santa Cruz Island and actually penetrated the outermost chamber of the world-famous Painted Cave. His narration included the geological history, current topography, prehistoric populations and modern status of this, our largest California island.
South of The Lanes the boat stopped to watch one of the biggest ocean sunfish (Mola mola) we’ve ever seen. According to the crew “It was as large as the foredeck of the Condor Express.” Wow!
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express, and CondorExpressPhotos.com
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