California is known for expensive, glamorous spectacles. Disneyland and Hollywood are major attractions. They have their appeal, if at high cost to vacationers. Hearst Castle is an emblem of power and wealth. Visitors who happen on the elephant seal rookery find something unexpected. It's not a packaged experience. It's wildlife, unscripted, a complete contrast, a natural site where seals live their lives ignoring Highway 1 and its traffic.
The beach is crowded, with seals edging toward the water to stay on cool, wet sand. Others make themselves comfortable on their companions, like this peaceful pair.We're not untouched by the problems brewing off our shores. But this place shows how it can be, if we take care of it.
My family and I visited the elephant seals during one of our vacations many years ago. The sight -- and sound! -- of these behemoths was amazing! One idiot went down to the beach to get a closer photograph. Those seals may look passive, but they sure can put on some steam when they want to!
ReplyDeleteCheck out the new web cam, from the link at http://www.elephantseal.org/. You can keep track of what's going on at the beach. Perhaps you will want to return!
ReplyDeleteThe educational power of the Piedras Blancas site is one of the strongest reasons I'm out there every week. When people know more, they will want to protect these animals and the oceans they live in. And they'll get over the idea that they need to be right next to them on the beach.