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Calem Cecil-Wherity at the helm |
As the crew aboard Operational Facility ‘219’ headed out of Santa Cruz (CA) Harbor the day was crystal clear and flat calm. It looked like it would be a spectacular day on the water for trainees Calum Cecil-Wherity and Ed Boring, crew Jane Smith and Sonia Foster, and coxswain Wally Smith. The Ray Burch Memorial Radio Tower was being staffed by trainee Steve Daley and TCO Dudley Clarke.
The Harbormaster contacted the tower and requested that the patrol keep an eye out for whales in the vicinity of Santa Cruz. Whales had been around the area for a couple of days.
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Look for the birds |
Upon exiting the harbor the crew steered the facility towards a large congregation of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other vessels. The birds and the spouts from the whales were immediately visible.
The whales, estimated at five or six, remained in the vicinity of a charted triangle stretching from the end of the Santa Cruz wharf. In fact, a large group of spectators were assembled at the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf and enjoyed some great views of the whales. The number of small and large vessels whale-watching continued to grow throughout the day. On several occasions, the whales surfaced quite close to boats.
We could always spot where the whales were feeding … just look for the birds!
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Flukes in view |
The patrol remained in the vicinity of the whales and the myriad vessels all day keeping a watchful eye for the safety of both the boaters and the whales! There was ample opportunity for “helm time” for trainee Calum as well.
The crew agreed during the post patrol debrief that this day was one of the best any of us could remember for a long, long time! The weather, the sea conditions, the wildlife … whales, sea lions, sea otters, harbor seals, and the birds! … made for some spectacular viewing. The quantity and variety of vessels in the immediate vicinity kept the crew constantly vigilant as well.
This was a GOOD DAY!
efl ~ 12/05/11