[CINC] Condor Ex 6/13

[garydel1 at cox.net]

Just the facts...
Humpbacks... 8
Commons... Lots
Pacific White Sides... 50, minimum
Mola Molas... 9
3 jumping mackerel

     As with previous reports, the first 3 humps came into view about six miles out, or about 1/2 hour into the trip. Soon, one of these 3 separated leaving the other 2 to have their way with the Condor. For about 45 minutes this pair spy-hopped, rolled, fluked, slapped and slimed 50 passengers with that wonderfully briny and old shrimpy breath that just sort of hangs on you. One of the humps sported an almost completely black fluke. This very curious and friendly duo may have been the same pair spotted on May 23; markings and, certainly behavior, were most similar. Also like the May 23 trip, at least 2 other humps were spotted at a distance, and one of these breached 5 times in a row. Scattered common dolphins also rode the bow and surrounded the boat. 
     At high noon a pod of at least 50 Pacific White Sided dolphins flanked the Condor. Water temperature... 61 degrees, maybe warmer than what these dolphins usually prefer. 
     3 ocean sunfish, small ones, showed themselves, but could not compete with 5 additional humps spotted closer to Santa Cruz.. This pod soon split into 2 pods. Two whales stayed near the boat for a while but were not as gregarious as the original pair.  After a visit to Painted Cave, the Condor turned for home. Another group of 6 sunfish was spotted; small ones again, barely breaking the surface.
     In spite of efforts to locate a blue whale spotted 6/11, none were sighted. But, thanks to the cooperation of those first 2 humps, no one left the Condor with any complaints except, of course, the exposure to whale dragon-mouth breath.
     About the 3 mackerel... they may have been bonito, and they left the water 2 or 3 times. I am sure this happens, but I haven't seen it except when predators were closing in. 
     A very good day with calm seas, light wind and plenty of June gloom that didn't seem to bother the mammals in the water and on the boat.

Gary Delanoeye