Whales and Other Critters

Our goal was Whales (again!)

After San Francisco, we headed to Monterey for more whale watching. Caty had researched and found a highly rated tour that regularly sees Humpbacks, Dolphins, Orcas and Blues. Our trip was a tad disappointing – but just because we are spoiled. 

We did see Sea Lions ...

Kissy kissy

... and Harbor Seals in the harbor before we headed down the dock to board ...

Whatcha lookin' at?

Heck, we even saw Sea Lions on the dock before we boarded ...

He wasn't lookin' too happy

On the whale watch, we saw four humpbacks, diving and fluking. 

Humpback diving, most likely feeding

One set of two was very close to the shore ... 

These were really close to civilization

... and very close to another whale watch ...

Our boat may have looked like that to them

Unfortunately, no tail or fin slaps and no breaches. Just diving and fluking ...

Even repeated behaviors are fun to watch

Of course, there were lots of seabirds, primarily the prehistoric looking Pacific Brown Pelicans ...

Proof birds descended from dinosaurs

Plus some close-up Pigeon Guillemots ...

Love the red legs

The only Dolphins we saw were Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins in the harbor when we returned – they were too fast for photos.

Still a fun afternoon

Monterey Bay

The next morning, Caty and I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It's a fabulous aquarium and we had a great time.

We did not take cameras because there's really no point in photographing captive animals. 

I am glad we didn't because we found the constant picture-taking at the aquarium incredibly annoying. 

Photo: Monterey Bay Aquarium

The aquarium was packed – some of the displays were almost impossible to see. When everyone in the crowd is holding up a phone or camera, it's even worse – especially when they "can't get it right" and keep trying over and over and over and over. 

Seriously, folks, step aside so other people can see! Plus, if the sign says "no flash," I think it applies to everyone, including you. The poor octopus was getting zapped repeatedly.

Photo: Monterey Bay Aquarium

The jellies were incredible as were the seahorses. 

Photo: Monterey Bay Aquarium

Best of all was Sea Otter feeding – and the fun things they do to give the Otters a workout. They bring buckets of ice for the Otters to jump in, steal from and chomp on. They have only female rescues. In addition to being on display, they also serve as surrogate mothers for rescue pups, which are later returned to the Bay. 

They have a fabulous film about Luna, a rescue pup. Adorable.

What's even cooler is that there were birds, Sea Otters ...

They were a bit far out, but clear to see

... and Harbor Seals just outside the aquarium.

Harbor Seals giving us a show

Among them was a queen (that's a female Otter) and pup. 

We saw the queen dive and catch and eat a sea star

There was also a colony of Brandt's Cormorants sharing the rocks with the Seals ..

A common sight by on the rocks

We watched for quite some time ...

And they watched us

Now, I don't know what's better, inside or outside the Aquarium.

Trip date: July 26-August 8, 2013