Kayla's Blog: February 2011

To start my long weekend, mom and I went out whale watching for the day. We were just going to go out on the morning trip, but it was too nice of a day to skip the afternoon trip, plus we had a friend going then too. It was so nice, that I was able to sit outside for the morning trip, and most of the afternoon trip... I've only been able to do that on trips out of Newport Beach. :)

We encountered two northbound Gray Whales right off the bat. They are one of the "early birds" heading back to their feeding grounds in the Bering Sea off of Alaska from Baja. Did you know that the Pacific Gray Whales have the longest migration than any other animal? They do of approximately 12,000 - 16,000 miles, which they do every year from Alaska to Baja. They go to Baja to have their babies in the safe, warm waters (lagoons).

After getting some good looks of the Gray Whales, we headed out towards Anacapa Island in search of more whales, and any other wildlife. We found my friends; the Common Dolphins. I got to get some good looks of them, and I heard a few squeaks (them talking).

We went to the east end of Anacapa Island to view Arch Rock, and go down the backside to see all the birds and California Sea Lions.

The afternoon trip was a little more difficult to find whales... We came upon a small, spread out group of scouting Common Dolphins heading east down the east end of Santa Cruz Island. That was a beautiful site to see with Santa Cruz in the background all green.

Captain Dave got word that there might be whales further west off of Santa Cruz Island, so we headed in that direction. I got to get good looks of Scorpion Harbor (Scorpion Ranch). Mom plans to bring me here this year - I can't wait!

Passing along some sea arches along the edges of the island...

All along Santa Cruz Island are blow holes like this one. This is actually a small one, but very cool.

The tide was pretty low near Potato Harbor where I saw these colorful Sea Stars bunched together hanging out. It's not the best photo, but I still wanted to share it.

This is Potato Harbor. You can hike here from Scorpion Ranch, which I will do when mom brings me out here... Well, I will cruise the hike in my hiking stroller, while mom does the actual hiking. :)

And still no whales... Captain Dave was making the announcement how just some trips, no matter how hard we try, we just don't see any whales.

As Dave was preparing to turn around...... "A BLOW"! And then another one and another. There were three VERY SHY Gray Whales slowly heading east along Santa Cruz Island nearer Chinese Harbor. Once they realized we were there, they became even more shy and started doing what is called "snorkeling".

We ended up seeing two other whales in the area, and another one that was breaching just outside the harbor. It was a gorgeous evening on our way back.

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Sunday, the day before Valentine's and my party at school, I had so much to do to get ready for my school party. I had to go shopping for cupcakes that I was making, cards for all my friends, and still had to do my homework, plus a few other things. I really enjoyed it!