There were no whales to be seen, but the sea lions were certainly plentiful.

If you're a kid growing up in Southern California, there are a few things you can count on at school (besides budget cuts).

Chances are you'll reconstruct a California mission with sugar cubes and red licorice. And you'll go on a whale-watching field trip.

As the father of a third grader, I found myself on a Newport Beach dock one recent Wednesday morning surrounded by squirrelly kids and their moms simultaneously signing permission slips, doling out Dramamine and slathering on sunscreen.

April recruited me as an extra chaperone since all four of our kids were going on the field trip. My sole responsibility for the day was maintaining constant visual contact with Amber, our head-strong, climb-anything, 2-year-old bundle of energy.

As we boarded Ocean Explorer my work looked easy. Amber was nervous and didn't want me to put her down. We positioned ourselves on a starboard-side bench in the middle of the boat and settled in. Before long, she decided it was time to explore. I looked left, she went right, and before I could say "Where's Amber?" she was standing at the aft railing.

After a quick refresher on the rules for the day - no running, and don't go anywhere without Dad - she grabbed my hand and tugged me to the bow so we could see the sights in the harbor as we headed for the breakwater.

The complete whale watch experience usually involves an instant replay of breakfast. I thought for sure we'd get another chance to see Cafe Miaafe's whip-creamed waffles and spicy omelets soon after we left the harbor.

But as we passed the sea lions lolling on the harbor buoy and hit the open water, it was clear this trip would be something special. It was one those perfect days we get in Southern California that remind us why we live here instead of any one of the 40-some other states to the east where they were probably shoveling snow.

A gentle off-shore breeze cleared the sky of clouds and haze and left a polished blue panorama. You could see all the way to Palos Verdes to the north, and Catalina beckoned to the west. Looking inland, a snowcapped peak loomed above the Orange County skyline. The water was glass, with the sun popping off the ripples like flash bulbs.

We cruised for over an hour without spying any whales. Bribed with snacks, Amber settled down. I stretched out on the bench, put my feet up on the rails and basked in the sunshine and scenery.

My reverie was interrupted by the discovery of a dolphin pod. They were likely feeding on a school of anchovies, but stopped to play when we showed up.

"These guys do like the boat," the captain announced over the intercom. "They're not afraid." As if on cue, a detachment turned and headed for us, their dark gray fins arcing through the water.

As we cruised, some dove under the boat while others rode the swell created by the bow.

I held Amber up so she could get a better view.

"Amber, what do you see?" April asked.

"Dolphins," she said.

"What are they doing?"

"Doing tricks," Amber answered.
We let the dolphins get back to their breakfast and started heading for the harbor.

We still hadn't spied a whale, but our kids didn't care. Nor did I. I was content just to be on the water enjoying the weather, the views and the kids.

It was the easiest field trip ever. Let's hope I can say the same thing when I finish building Laurel's mission project.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic, although he would forsake Awesometown for Newport.

Welcome Aboard!
Davey's Locker Whale Watching
www.daveyslocker.com
949-673-1434

Cafe Miaafe
949-675-2675

Parking
Use lot adjacent to Balboa Pier off Adams Street.
www.newportbeachca.gov