Pacific Sea Nettles

{ back blip from saturday, august 8, 2015 due to terrible internet service at our hotel }

We spent the day exploring the area, visiting beautifullly raw and rugged beaches, light houses, more beaches, and finally (since it began to drizzle) we wound up at the local aquarium. There was an outstanding exhibit about shipwrecks (you won't believe how many known shipwrecks there are in the world) but my favorite was the extra large tank filled with about 20+ Pacific Sea Nettles floating about in the wondrously ethereal manner that jellyfish do so well. 

The Pacific Ocean is where Sea Nettles live, specifically, around California and Oregon. They're a popular choice for aquariums due to their hardy nature and ability to easily survive in captivity. The bell of Pacific Sea Nettles can span up to three feet wide (!) but all in this tank had bells no larger than 8-10 inches. They are truly beautiful creatures and I found it addictive to watch them shape-shift through the water's currents.

The EXTRA photo at right shows the beach near Heceta Lighthouse, earlier in the afternoon.