[CINC] Sunday 1/18 - Ranger 85

[Dick Bellman]

Morning trip was cancelled due to scarcity of passengers. 

Afternoon trip:          7 Gray Whales (3 of which were juveniles)

                                    2 pods Common Dolphins (1st encounter
300; 2nd encounter 50)

 

 

It was a small group of 21 passengers that went out with skipper Frank who
was assisted by crew members Alex and Rick.  Naturalists aboard were Dick
Bellman and Natalie Swan.  By the time we approached Anacapa the wind had
abated and on the back side there was virtually no wind, absolutely flat
seas and visibility of 20+ miles.  We could see both Santa Rosa and Santa
Barbara Islands with the virtually unlimited visibility.  Yes, it was
another “chamber of commerce” day out on the water. The Grays were in two
groups seemingly traveling together but separated by about ½ mile.  We
stayed with the 4 adults and were treated to incredible sights with frequent
close up views of flukes.  As the day got late and we turned these whales
over to the Vanguard which came upon the scene additional spouts were
visible in the distance.  Since it was now getting late we began the trip
back to Channel Islands Harbor and I went to complete the sightings logs.
Crewmember Alex, who had been the “eye in the sky” topside came to me and
indicated that the two spouts in the distance were fin whales.  Possibly
someone aboard the Vanguard can corroborate the sightings of these Fins.
Needless to say the passengers were thrilled with their experience,
especially the family that was flying back to Chicago the next day.
Brrrrrrr. 

 

Dick Bellman

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