DianaT
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Elephant Seals in San Simeon
We never tire of visiting these wonderful creatures as it is always different. Being there about a week ago, it was cool and there was a mixture of
rain and heavy mist, so they were active. But with the exceptionally high tides, they were not in some of the areas where they like to hang out.
We never tire of watching them and we don't care about getting wet, but it was a struggle to keep the cameras dry as they hate water!
They all have such a different personality and while it is not all about love and nurturing, it is nature at the best A few of the pups have arrived
early this year.
Here are just a few pictures.
Some people think they are ugly, but I think this is a really adorable young male.
Who are YOU
A private conversation
Leave me alone!
Hi there!
No one is listening to me
More private talk
Sweet eyes
A Love Hate relationship
My harem will behave!
That is all---- probably too many from the way too many we took while trying to keep the cameras dry! This is a must see for nature lovers. We have
been there a number of times and will return again.
[Edited on 12-21-2015 by DianaT]
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Skipjack Joe
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We can't see the pictures Diane, probably due to security settings.
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DianaT
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Well, I just thought it would be better for everyone to use their imaginations. 
Thanks, I think they can now be seen. It was a security setting.
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Fatboy
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It is quite a sight to seem them. The pictures do not show the size of some of the larger ones. 14 feet long for a big male.... That is as long as
Grahams CRV!
If you are ever in the area traveling down HWY 1 or visiting Hearst castle it is worth it to join the crowds on the boardwalks there to see them.
They are huge!
Thanks for the pictures!
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durrelllrobert
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Another great place to view them on Highway 1
Aņo Nuevo State Park about 25 miles south of Half moon Bay.
During the 1994-95 breeding season (last time was there), approximately 2,000 pups were born there.
Bob Durrell
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DianaT
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Yes, these pictures do not show how large those old, dominant males are. They are huge so much bigger than the females!
We will need to visit Aņo Nuevo State Park! A friend told us that last year, one came on shore in Avila Beach. It will be interesting to see is
another does that this year.
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Jack Swords
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They also have climbed up to Highway 1 and been a road hazard. Special fences have been built in an attempt to keep them from the road. Their numbers
are increasing and they can be found on nearby beaches also.
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DianaT
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Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords  | | They also have climbed up to Highway 1 and been a road hazard. Special fences have been built in an attempt to keep them from the road. Their numbers
are increasing and they can be found on nearby beaches also. |
With the high tides, there were a number of them right next to the highway by one of those fences. There were also more a bit north than we have seen
before. We wanted to hike around more and take more pictures of them in some different places, but the rain stopped us--- we need rain coats for the
cameras!
It is a good thing they are doing well---- they are beautiful.
[Edited on 12-22-2015 by DianaT]
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tripledigitken
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Thanks for posting Diane. We always stop to take a look at them. They are enormous, this shot gives some perspective of how big the adult males are.
If you're lucky you will see these guys across the Coast Highway...
(descendants of the exotic animals brought in by W.R. Hearst at San Simeon in the early 20th century)
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DianaT
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Ken, that does give some perspective.
Right now they are not any at that end of the parking lot because of tides. At least there are not a lot of newborns right now as a lot of newborns
died the last time there were the extreme high tides as it hit in January.
Zebras are still there and fun to see.
We like to travel over in that area if for nothing else than seeing the Elephant Seals and eating breakfast in the Big Sur at the River Inn where John
used to hang out on Sundays when he lived in Carmel and the Big Sur. It was a place where lots of locals were on Sunday to enjoy listening to Jake
Stock and the Abalone Stompers.
[Edited on 12-22-2015 by DianaT]
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Bubba
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Awesome pictures as usual. I'm fortunate enough to live within half an hour of there and visit it often. Magnificent creatures and incredible scenery!
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DianaT
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bubba | | Awesome pictures as usual. I'm fortunate enough to live within half an hour of there and visit it often. Magnificent creatures and incredible scenery!
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Thanks and glad you ejoyed the pictures. We have considered that area for another move--- and we also would visit these creatures often. Such
personalities.
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John M
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camera
http://www.elephantseal.org/Rookery/livecam.html
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