The ending was wonderful, which was terrific, because the first part was ... difficult. We were smothered by fog the first fifty-eight minutes: off-effort. Not long after it cleared we had a succession of three groups that we entered as seven northbound Gray whales: a mother/calf pair; a pair that we believe was a mother/calf pair but we did not see much of the calf. The third was a mother/calf pair, but we did not see a lot of either because two boats, unintentionally, crossed paths at the position of the whales along the kelp. One boat lingered a bit until they realized the mother and calf had left, stage right.

Later in the day we saw another whale that we also believe was a mother/calf pair, but again, partially because of a vessel, we did not even see the “calf.” The behavior was cow/calf, but not on the Count board (not even two whales).

So, at that point in the day, we stood at seven whales, including two calves. It coulda, maybe shoulda, been four pairs. As we said: difficult.

The ending, beginning at nine minutes to five was grand: two pairs, side-by-side, mothers with their calves! We stayed late to be sure all was correct in our minds and the datasheet.

In addition to the “usual” three species of dolphins, Lags, Commons, and Bottlenose, there were two otters in the Isla Vista kelp most of the day, and a Harbor seal relaxing through the morning.

Gray whales northbound (all) 11 | Calves 4 — 2016 Count 819 | 010

Time Counting: 7h 20m

Let’s keep this Good Thing Going ...