Nature Cruise April 21, 2011

Weather forecasters predicted a rather drizzly day…..they were wrong!  Was a
terrific day out on the water–great visibility, calm seas, and very comfortable
temperature.  Several of the Navy dolphin training boats were spotted, both on
San Diego Bay and in the Pacific….as well as a few of the Atlantic bottle nose
dolphins being trained.  As we headed out into the Pacific, sporadic dolphins
and sea lions were seen…..and then a blow….a fin whale–we got several good
views of the whale and could even see the chevron on the whale’s back.  While
viewing the whale, a pod of dolphins was seen approaching–we got to see a
nursery group of common dolphins…many very small.  In a short while a couple
minke whales, the smallest of the rorquals were spotted…one even breaching in
the distance; and then we got a special bow rider–a very large offshore bottle
nose dolphin.  The sea lions, harbor seals and elephant seals were seen on and
around Los Coronados…as well as the brown boobies, and several other sea-going
birds.  A great day on the ocean had to end, but as we headed into San Diego
Bay, we were able to watch a mom and calf gray whale–as much as everyone
enjoyed seeing them, all were hoping they would exit the busy San Diego Bay very
soon. for their own safety!  Another special day on the water enjoyed by
passengers, crew, and whalers Judy and Diane.

Submitted by Whaler Diane