Flat Stanley Visits the Pacific Ocean

We drove north on Pacific Coast Highway to the San Simeon Elephant Seal Rookery.  They are called elephant seals because of their size, and because the bulls (males) have a nose, proboscis, similar to an elephant's trunk.  The seals return to the same breeding area each year.  There are breeding grounds all along the California coast.  

Adult males are 15-20 feet long, and weigh about 6000 lbs!  Bigger than me. 

Here's a bull surrounded by his many female, cow, companions.

These pups are about 1 year old.  They were very close to our viewing area, because the tide is high, due to recent storms.  We were lucky to see them so close up.

 They don't have ears, they have big, round eyes, and little flipper like hands.  Cute!

Here are two bulls arguing over who is boss...they make big noises when they fight, and throw their head and necks at each other.

  This guy has hardly any beach.  Last week, the elephant seal volunteers had to close part of the highway, because the seals were washed ashore.  They were able to get them back on the beach.
 Sharks are dangerous for elephant seals.

 When we got back to the hotel, the kite surfers were in the water, having a great time.

 I wanted to go, but didn't have my wet suit with me.  Darn.

I think I need a nap...see you later!