THIS WEEK'S FEATURE: Whale watch!
PLUS UPDATE as Los Angeles area fires are virtually out! Please find Jan 30 fire news below this story!
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| Dolphin bonanza: we happened to be on the water when a pod of 5,000 dolphins hit the coast off southern California. This close-up of one of them shows what spectacular creatures they are. |
WHALE OF A TALE IN THE CHANNEL ISLANDS WHERE DOLPHINS ARE THE MAIN EVENT ON DELIGHTFUL ADVENTURE
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| Dolphins followed our boats during a delightful series of whale watching adventures near Ventura and Oxnard. |
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER
THE MIGRATION of the whale is one of nature's most impressive odysseys. Being on the water to watch them is helping us cope with the emotional trauma of the fires so very near us.
Every year, we passionately track whales. We've seen them on all seven continents. It's the most diverse critter we know and its presence in our lives -- especially this year --makes a huge difference.
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| Bruce Keller and Christene "Cookie" Meyers enjoyed a week of whale watching with Island Packers, highly recommended for lively commentary and lots of sea life. |
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| Dozens of dolphins followed our Island Packers boat. |
WE SAW thousands of dolphins, including an enormous pod which thrilled us as they jumped and frolicked on port and starboard sides of the vessels, darting in front of us and behind us, in the churning waters of the wake as well. A sight to behold which made international news.
TRUTH IS: where there are whales there are usually playful dolphins. They scout out the same food the whales eat and often lead the way for whales to dine, thus making it easier for us to spot them both.
It's true that each year, gray whales undertake one of the longest migrations of any mammal, traveling 12,000 miles round-trip from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to calve and breed in the Baja lagoons, and the warm waters of Hawaii. But dolphins hang around.OUR YEAR started with success in a fabulous trio of Island Packers outings out of Ventura and Oxnard.
The family owned and run operation knows the sea, dolphins, whales and sailing better than anyone. Owner Cherryl Connolly's late parents and her brother started two ocean adventures which merged recently to carry on the family tradition.Channel Islands casts whale magic
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| A humpback breeches on the southern California coast. |
in numbers.
THE WHALES' remarkable trip is equivalent to traveling three times across the United States from San Francisco, California to Washington D.C. Imagine that. But don't overlook the pleasures of the dolphins. They're a huge draw for us and thousands of others. For while we don't always see an abundance of whales, we see dolphins every time.
Resident whales, dolphins of Oregon
NOW IS prime time for viewing these magnificent creatures: whales and their sidekicks, the dolphins. January through March is when whales migrate along the California coast, traveling mostly southward but also a few coming back north as time progresses. Most whales arrive to Baja’s lagoons during January and February, and by mid-March the majority of the population has reached the lagoons where they mate and calve. We've seen a few "early birds" heading back north in March, so that's always a possibility.
ISLAND PACKERS hires terrific naturalists and captains. One tip for estimating dolphin numbers: Count what you can see and multiply times six or seven. Usually, the number of whales can be more precisely gauged because they have to come up for air and their size makes that visible. Southbound whales usually travel in pods of two or three so if you see one, you'll likely spot them all.
www.reservationdesk.com › Hampton-Inn › Oxnard
weather, relentless winds, drought and low humidity. A fire near us in La Jolla erupted and was put out just 2 miles from home. Our daily coverage began the first day Jan. 7. We will check in on the fires from time to time as rebuilding begins. Here's an earlier fire post: http://www.whereiscookie.com/2025/01/los-angeles-love-story-from-montana.html
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| The Hampton Inn in Oxnard is conveniently located on a lovely marina, with whale watching nearby, ambiance, a tasty breakfast and views. |
NOW IS prime time for viewing these magnificent creatures: whales and their sidekicks, the dolphins. January through March is when whales migrate along the California coast, traveling mostly southward but also a few coming back north as time progresses. Most whales arrive to Baja’s lagoons during January and February, and by mid-March the majority of the population has reached the lagoons where they mate and calve. We've seen a few "early birds" heading back north in March, so that's always a possibility.
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| Keller's Risso's dolphin photo with a comparison beneath of Risso to human. |
Alaska's whales on a cruise
DOLPHINS ARE whales, of course, and so it was a thrill on this trip to see several species, including the more rare "tooth whales," including the Risso's dolphin, named after the man who discovered them and closely related to the pilot whale. They're a larger, lesser known creature than the other two dolphin species we saw this trip, the common dolphin and bottleneck.
DOLPHINS ARE whales, of course, and so it was a thrill on this trip to see several species, including the more rare "tooth whales," including the Risso's dolphin, named after the man who discovered them and closely related to the pilot whale. They're a larger, lesser known creature than the other two dolphin species we saw this trip, the common dolphin and bottleneck.
In fact, the size comparison shows Risso's are more than twice as big as an average person.
Most dolphins are about our size or smaller.
One day, a pod of more than 500 "commons" followed our wake, playfully jumping and seeming to enjoy our admiration. Another day, we saw what a news team estimated to be over 4,000. A thrill.
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| The longed for "fluke" of a migrating humpback caught our eye. |
We lucky San Diegans may watch the journey close-up, so this time of year, look for us on the water. Sailor Keller has even piloted our own craft. But it's more fun for him to let someone else do the driving so he be photographer.
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| The approach to Anacapa is thrilling, with dolphins in our wake and seals and birds on the beach. Island Packers can arrange a hike or camping on the Channel Islands, or wildlife watching options on their comfy boats.. |
CHANNEL ISLANDS National Park is also worthy of a separate visit. We'll write about this wonderful natural environment down the road.
From our boats, we saw sea lions, seals and island birds, and if one hikes or camps, the encounters with wildlife are even more bountiful.
It's possible to enjoy these beautiful islands in many ways.
We saw backpackers and hikers, drawn to these remote islands and back country for spectacular views of the beaches, canyons and inlets.
But if your time is limited, you'll still in for a treat to simply stay on the boat. Options when you have more time include kayaking reservations, and special trips for school groups.
Island Packers does it all.
www.islandpackers.com
FIRE CONTAINMENT NEARLY COMPLETE; REBUILDING, CLEANUP BEGIN
Many of the 5,000 firefighters in Southern
California are being relieved of fire duties
as cleanup, rebuilding and recovery begin.
--Photos courtesy L.A. Times & Mercury News
California are being relieved of fire duties
as cleanup, rebuilding and recovery begin.
--Photos courtesy L.A. Times & Mercury News
Thursday, Jan. 30, SoCal fires update: Cleanup efforts are underway in the Los Angeles area. There are still fires in Los Angeles County – Eaton, Hughes and Palisades -- but the Border 2 fire near San Diego is virtually extinguished.
All of the major fires from Jan. 2025 are expected to reach 100% containment by week's end. Rains have helped greatly but residents in burn areas are warned to beware of mudslides and possible flooding, the downside of needed moisture. The Getty Center above Brentwood is reopened (see below and major feature posting here Thursday.) Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades remains closed. Rebuilding and restoring buildings, roads and infrastructure will take years and billions of dollars. Estimated loss is estimated at $250 to $275 billion. The worst fire -- Pacific Palisades -- is at 90 per cent containment with continuing sporadic high winds. The Border 2 Fire near San Diego is also at 90 per cent containment but still active in steep rural terrain. Nearly all evacuation orders are lifted. The fires are fueled by unusually warm
All of the major fires from Jan. 2025 are expected to reach 100% containment by week's end. Rains have helped greatly but residents in burn areas are warned to beware of mudslides and possible flooding, the downside of needed moisture. The Getty Center above Brentwood is reopened (see below and major feature posting here Thursday.) Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades remains closed. Rebuilding and restoring buildings, roads and infrastructure will take years and billions of dollars. Estimated loss is estimated at $250 to $275 billion. The worst fire -- Pacific Palisades -- is at 90 per cent containment with continuing sporadic high winds. The Border 2 Fire near San Diego is also at 90 per cent containment but still active in steep rural terrain. Nearly all evacuation orders are lifted. The fires are fueled by unusually warm
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| The Border 2 fire near San Diego is 97 per cent contained Jan.30. |
Coming up: Hollywood actor and special effects artist share personal insights into the tragedy.
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| The beautiful Getty Center was spared during the recent devastating fires. It will reopen Jan. 28 and we will feature the splendid complex. |
ON TAP: After closing in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles fires, the Getty Center reopened Jan. 28. We're there to celebrate this astonishing architectural complex -- with free admission to beautiful gardens and priceless art. Then we're back with new photos of whales on their record-breaking migration as 20,000 grays pass by Sam Diego enroute from the chilly waters of Alaska to warmer waters south of the Baja. Then on to Spain and the museums of Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi. Back in the U.S., we visit New York's Museum of Modern Art, then hike curious caves in Barbados and Bermuda. Visiting art created by both man and nature is a theme for us, as we hop back and forth across the pond. We return to a favorite city, Barcelona, where we explore a city offering famed art, architecture and a delightful modern tram to the city's top. Plus a look at a Montana museum devoted to the work of renowned western artist C.M. Russell. Meanwhile, remember to explore, learn and live, and catch us weekly for a fresh spin on travel, performance, nature, art, family and more: www.whereiscookie.com
So glad you can get some relief from the fires in such beauty. Nice piece. We are following the fire, too.
ReplyDeleteWe are praying the rains quell the fires and the seas remain calm for you two! Thanks for the updates and this lovely story.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends in LA and farther north. Appreciate the updates as it is difficult to communicate. And the dolphin and whale photos are wonderful!
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