[CINC] CX Monday July 6

[Maria G. Ornelas]

Hi Fellow Naturalists, I just realized I sent this to the old RAIN,  
but here it is.

2 pods Common Dolphins: ~ 30 and  300-400
2 huge Humpbacks
1 smaller Humpback

We left harbor where 100's of pelicans were congregating. Captain Matt  
plus crew, Hal Altman on PID, myself as roaming naturalist, and 53  
passengers from Cambridge England, Spain, Detroit, los Angeles, among  
others. Ten minutes later we encountered the small pod of Common  
Dolphins. Matt slowed down for a few minutes for people to take  
pictures. Seas got choppy pretty quickly. Captain knew exactly where  
to go, far into the Santa Cruz Channel, closer to SRI. Beaufort was a  
sure 4 at 16 kts according to Matt. It was a hard ride and quite a few  
people were nauseous, but the unaffected were treated to a spectacular  
encounter with the 2 humpbacks, moving slowly, coming very close to  
the boat, to give us a whiff of their meal. Then they slapped the  
water powerfully. They were massive and at ease in the high swells.  
People were gratified. The smaller Humpback as well came close to the  
boat and dove a couple of times showing his beautiful fluke. The  
passengers were treated briefly to Painted Cave, and on our departure   
~ 1:30 p.m. back to the harbor, we encountered the larger pod of  
commons, keeping passengers busy with their cameras. Another great day  
out at sea.

Maria G. Ornelas
maria at rasnowpeak.com

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