The Approach to Moro Bay

After a full night and day in Santa Cruz we left late in the afternoon of Saturday and set sail (sail/motor) for San Simeon Cove. This was a introduction to a night passage that I did not see coming and while it took several hours for me to settle into the thought of it, I found myself welcomed by a number of grey whales. Their massive bodies glided through the water with such grace and poise. However, I was not accustom to the sounds of their voices and was set back on my seat by the volume of which they communicated.  I wanted to say "I am sorry for sailing over the top of your feeding ground", but did not quite know how to billow this out in the clicking and howling language they spoke. Instead, we cut our engine and sat awhile to take it all in. (See Julie Dillard -Instagram for a clip of our sighting.) I can only say the sun was setting and the weather was perfect to be so honored to float amongst these beautiful mammals. It was thanks to OPB that we knew what was taking place when we found ourselves atop a massive circle of tiny bubbles. Apparently during feeding time whales will collectively swim in a wide circle and blow bubble under the water to create a bubble net to confuse and capture the fish that they are feeding on. I must say their was a brief moment that I was feeling a bit vulnerable - as if we could possibly be the bait. Not so!

As we continued further down he coast (about 3 miles off shore) somewhere between Monterrey and Big Sur I became aware of the phosphorescent effects of the water. At one point I yelled out for Mike as I witnessed a rather large fish charging the boat, which of course disappeared under the water as soon as he came. No doubt he thought I was loosing it. However, I persuaded him to stay and watch for a few minutes longer. THERE! Again the approach....and I was redeemed.  It was not too long after that that we were approached by several (I counted 5) bottle nose dolphins. With the phosphorescene outlining every detail of these beautiful creatures. All I can say is it was a memory that is forever etched in our minds. Stay tuned for more to come (my currently wireless is starting to kick me off this web page.)