June 2nd (Vessel Pacifica): Captain Danny Frank so graciously steered us northwest into a beautiful morning of partly cloudy skies (the best for photography) and mild seas. As dozens of humpback whales continued to feed just a mile or two north of the harbor, it did not take long to sight a pair of Humpback Whales. Cow and calf, mother and baby, the pair were taking a morning snooze (though never are they truly unconscious) so we left them in peace and immediately were rewarded with a handful of Risso’s Dolphin. Pressing on, some 15 or 20 whales appeared, scattered in all directions, so we bounced between groups, occasionally watching tail throws and flipper-slaps. Some stinky whale breath here and there, it was a truly solid trip. At one point, we sighted and watched another group of Rissos, and bounced between more whales as the Sea Breeze began to build. Mild seas soon turned into moderate chop, and just as we began to furrow our brows at the horizon, it was time to head in. Just off Cannery Row, another larger group of Risso’s afforded a final pit stop, with a few breaches and head slaps. A fantastic way to end the day, with rougher seas at our backs as the weather window snapped shut yet again, forcing us to cancel yet another (two!) afternoon tours.
-Naturalist Isaiah
