Captain Dave's Ocean Report
As seen weekly in the Dana Point news/OC Register

September 15, 2005

DISASTER RELIEF DAY - OCTOBER 2, 2005

It was more about what we didn’t see this week than what we did see. We saw a lot of common dolphin this week and we also had trips where there were no dolphins to be had - anywhere. Sometimes when the dolphin get into big megapods, the megapods pulls in all the smaller pods in the area like a magnet and if you don’t locate the megapods you don’t find any other dolphins.

We didn’t see any blue whales or Mola mola either. It feels like summer is about over but I am still expect a few more blue whale sightings this month.

We did not see any bottlenose or rissos dolphin this week or any red tide, except for one day - the first day after my article last week pronouncing the red tide dead, making me look bad.

It’s a long two and a half hours when you spend the entire trip holding up binoculars and don’t find any dolphins, and it makes for an even longer day, but I am sure this will not last. It is just the normal ebb and flow of the megapods of common dolphins, and we did have some great fantastic trips this week as well. See photo.

On a more serious note, we've been deeply moved by the devastation that Hurricane Katrina has left behind. It is truly beyond the scope of our imagination to see how many lives have been ripped apart. We have decided to host a Dolphin Safari for Disaster Relief Day. Here's how it will go.

On Sunday, October 2nd, we'll open our trips up to folks who want to give to the fund. When you make your reservation, we'll ask you if you'd like to donate your charter cost (and any extra if you'd like) to either the American Red Cross or to Samaritan's Purse. We'll take your credit card info and then process the donation for you with either organization. That way you'll receive the tax donation if you want it, and we won't actually be collecting any money, so you can be assured that the entire amount will go the relief effort.

If you've been wanting to come on out on a Safari, but just haven't found the time, perhaps this will help you to make the time, knowing that your money is going to such a great cause.

Till next week. God bless. Capt. Dave, over and out.