Day 44, May 16, 2018, Elephant Sea Lions up close! Montan`a de Oro State Park.

This is also the name of the beach where the seals "haul out"!

That was the early morning goal.  To see the Elephant Seals that we had heard were within a few feet of the observation walkways. Reminds me of the bears in Hyder Alaska. Right in your face and sometimes walking by your body.  But these were down on the beach and there was no way  one could get down there anyway.  (Nor should they).

The state and wildlife folks of California have supported Volunteers who were present in numbers to assist , answer questions, and generally "watch over" the parking area and walkway just along Hwy 1 south  a few miles from the  massive washout near Mud Creek.

Only would I state that this herd of Sea Lions is growing each year and is now starting to expand to  safe other beaches nearby.  The mothers don't like to be crowded.  (THat is funny when you see the photos. So here is the photo shoot to tell the story.

The north section walkway..

The laet 1/3 of the north section.

The center portion of the North  section.

The right portion of the North section.

The south section.

A little closer

The angled rock has Sea Lions only (they keep apart)

Common Yarrow (wild)

Pimpernel. Grows close to the ground. Very tiny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOst people know this one. California Poppy.

A few more from the day

BOxes of Avacados ready to sell. 20/$45.00

Avocados on the tree.

View from the road to Montan`a de Oro State Park