[CINC] Basking shark and fun on CX Monday, 7 April

[Deborah Lee Clark]

Fortunately the noon run of the CX today packed quite a wallop since the morning and late afternoon trips were canceled.
   
  Several bottle-nose dolphins guided us out of the harbor.  Captain Dave beelined it for the location where humpbacks had been seen yesterday and we were not disappointed.  A threesome, although the third occasionally lagged behind, fed diligently near us for 20 minutes until Capt. Dave spotted something unusual.  His curiosity and enthusiasm led us to a large (25 feet?) basking shark which did just that, basked, on or near the surface.  It came within touching distance of the ship several times with its mouth fully open.  It seemed unafraid or bothered by our presence although I'm not totally sure that the reverse was true, even though we were assured  they are a passive filter feeder of zoo plankton,  small fish and invertebrates.    Many of the 30 or so passengers got good photos which I hope to obtain later in the week.  It kept us enthralled for 30 minutes when, alas, we had to move on.  Encountered a solo, shy,  small juvenile gray which barely surfaced to spout on
 our way to three more humpbacks who treated us to great flukes.
   
  Time ran out on us but Capt Dave's infectious excitement stayed with us back to shore and then some.
   
  Thanks to all who make this possible.
  Deb Clark
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