2016 12-11 SB Channel
Captain Eric and his crew encountered overcast skies with calm seas. There were patches of dense fog to deal with as well. But fog did not deter us from great sightings. Total sightings for the trip include 4 humpback whales, 500 long-beaked common dolphins, scattered groups of California sea lions and one sunfish in the fog (Mola mola).
Things got started in the separation zone between The Lanes where a very cooperative humpback whale found the Condor Express. It had short down times and made several friendly, close passes by the boat. A short while later, a second humpback whale came in and joined the first one. The newcomer mugged us and swam back and forth under the bow. The whale had great looks at the humans even though dense fog had now enveloped the boat.
Moving southeast towards the middle of beautiful Santa Cruz Island, two more humpback whales were encountered south of The Lanes. They were moving west and gave good looks. Upon arriving at the Island, Eric spoke about the history, ecology and conservation success stories as he cruised east from Fry’s in continued thick fog.
On the way home, north of The Lanes a nice-sized pod of dolphins came to play. There were at least 500 in the group and fog was not a factor in watching these little cetaceans. A dinner plate sized ocean sunfish, or Mola mola, was found and we slowed down for some observations.
You never know what Mother Nature has in store. Bob Perry Condor Express
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