[CINC] Vanguard on Monday 12/26

[Dick Bellman]

First, just the bare facts concerning today's double run aboard the Vanguard
out of Oxnard:  

*     2 mega pods of common dolphins (about 1,000 each; one in am and one in
pm)

*     2 Gray whales (one of which was a juvenile)

*     5 Orcas !!!

 

Now, for those with more leisure time or those who are just plain curious,
here is the embellished version of today's trips aboard the Vanguard.  

 

It was a definite "Chamber of Commerce" day, with very calm seas, gentle
breezes, blue sky and almost unlimited visibility.  Captain Jason, crew
members, Steve and Ali; naturalists Tom Flor and Dick Bellman  were
accompanied by passengers from South Dakota, Illinois, Arizona, Maryland,
Texas and Italy along with the requisite Californians.  The morning trip
encountered a pod of approximately 1,000 dolphins as we worked our way
towards the Anacapa-Santa Cruz gap.  Once in the gap we encountered spouts
from two Gray Whales, one of which was a juvenile.  Captain Jason provided
the passengers with some good looks and the whales cooperated with some nice
flukes as they embarked on their deeper dives.  

 

Knowing the Gray's were in the area we were hoping for similar results with
the afternoon group.  With the afternoon group, we had traveled all the way
to the Anacapa-Santa Cruz gap without seeing a single dolphin.  Nada! We
searched the gap, in vain, for any sign of whales.  We then started cruising
the back of Anacapa and I readied my "the worst day on the water is better
than the best day at work," monologue to prepare the passengers for a day of
being skunked.  It was then that we had an experience almost exactly as
reported by Ken Tatro aboard the Condor Express on Sunday.  We were in
middle Anacapa when we encountered a large (1,000) pod of dolphins moving
VERY FAST to the west.  Just as Ken explained, they were getting significant
air time.  These common dolphins were hauling. We turned and joined them,
but they had absolutely no interest in us.  Shortly thereafter the reason
for their fast pace became apparent as we encountered 5 Orcas heading in the
exact same direction.  We surmised, as did those aboard the Condor that the
dolphins sensed the presence of the Orcas and were in a great hurry to exit
the area.  We accompanied the Orcas for probably 20-25 minutes and for
awhile had them on each side of the boat.  Needless to say, the passengers
were absolutely thrilled.   As this was my first Orca sighting in these
waters, I too, was ecstatic.  

 

The extra time with the Orcas, caused us to be a little late heading back to
port.  However, we were treated to an incredible sunset as the moon and
Venus arose behind Anacapa.  What a beautiful day!!

 

I hope that everyone enjoys a happy New Year and days on the water as
wonderful as Tom and I had today.  

 

Dick Bellman

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