Feeding Frenzy

We left San Francisco Bay three days ago, and made two day trips to arrive in Santa Cruz. The weather has been nearly perfect, and conditions mild. We were able to sail for half a day as we approached Santa Cruz, so we were a quiet presence as we approached this feeding frenzy. Three or four Humpback Whales, a herd of California Sea Lions, dozens of Brown Pelicans, and the odd gull were all circling and diving and leaping from the water, apparently feasting on some dense concentration of fish. There was no sign that any of these creatures were aware of our boat, so we steered clear, awed by the intensity of noise, churning water, and bird calls.