Chillin'

I (Annie) had a wonderful day today watching Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo Park near Santa Cruz. It was recommended to me by my hosts, Pat and Colin, and was a great choice. Small bookable tours (only $7!) are taken round the otherwise closed national park with knowledgable guides. Our guide, Greg, told us all about these amazing animals and how they were currently here to give birth, then mate once again. The mother seals start off plump, then get milked almost to starvation by their cubs with 50% fat milk.

I had no appreciation before seeing these up close quite how enormous they are. And the noise! A beach full of them sounded like a cross between a noisy playground and a motorcycle meet. Amazing.

This gentleman was a non-Alpha male keeping out of the way of all of the fighting, just chillin'.

A lovely dinner of Salmon and champagne, and my stay with Pat and Colin has almost come to an end. It's been just great to catch up, and such wonderful hosts - thank you so much. :)

Check out the elegance of Elephant Seal mating in the Folio (please excuse the grass in the foreground - I couldn't find anywhere to stand that didn't have at least one. Oh for being a foot taller!).