[CINC] Condor 6/21

[Betsy Manninen]

Hi Fellow Naturalists!
In a nutshell, Debra and myself, along with 100+ passengers, saw:

Pacific White Sided Dolphins (~40)
Short-beaked Commons (~500)
Minke (1)
Humpback cow/calf pairs (3)

Details: We were off to Santa Rosa but kept finding things on our way, 
preventing a venture farther west. No matter, tho', as we were treated 
to plenty of sea life closer to mid-channel and toward Santa Cruz's NW 
end. We also saw 'Mittens' I believe as did Scott on Speed Twin. She 
and her calf were the most comfortable with the boat treating us to 
many flukes and views in the calm, smooth water. The Pacific White 
Sides were only 3 in number at first, but eventually we found a greater 
pod of around 40-50 that stayed with the boat for some time. The 
Commons had many young treating us to funny flips and playtime on our 
way out. Even on the blitz back home, we came across a cow/calf pair 
very close to home – maybe 3 miles offshore? Last but not least, the 
sea lions put on a show wherever we slowed doing their best to out-show 
the humpies.

Absolutely most beautiful day ever. Never worn shorts before and been 
so comfortable!

Cheers!
Betsy Manninen