Leon Turnbull Photography

When we were at the Coast last month, we went one day to the Elkhorn Slough in Moss Landing. We walked around there, and saw plenty of bird wildlife. Afterwards, we stopped at the beach there for lunch and to let the kids play on the beach. They had a lot of fun playing in the waves. Daddy had a bit of fun too taking pictures. These little sanderlings were running along the beach while we were there, scooping up little tidbits to eat that they found on the shoreline. They let me get pretty close to them, until a jogger came running along to the beach and scared them away. All in all, it was a very fun day.

We found these harbor seals hanging out on the rocks at Point Lobos State Reserve, near Monterey. They kept looking up at us as we peered down at them, no doubt wondering why we were looking at them for so long. It was interesting because there were quite a few people in the area, but we were the only ones that were watching the seals. There was even an old lady sitting back on a chair looking at the ocean, but oblivious to the presence of the seals below. I had the strong feeling while we were at the coast that things like seals, sea lions, and cormorants, etc. are so common over there that the people just say, yeah whatever, another seal, what’s the big deal? For us inlanders, though, seeing animals like this is cool. It is not like we get to see them very much in Sacramento. 🙂

Here is another shot from our trip to the Sacramento Zoo a couple weekends ago. I have been busy busy busy working on projects at home lately. Not much time to get out hiking. But I did go out today. After a very dry month and a half, we finally had another winter storm. The creeks are all flowing again (for now). I went back again to Table Mountain in Oroville, and got to three new waterfalls there (Coon, Long/Ranch, and Crevice). I have now finally gotten to all of the many waterfalls on Table Mountains, except for perhaps one (which is on private property). I will talk about more of this hike coming up soon.

In the meantime, it is my son’s birthday tomorrow, and my daughter’s next week. We are having a combined birthday party for them both today. It should be quite fun for them. Now I gotta run so I am not late for it. heh heh.

It is not a waterfall. But it does roar.

This was from a family outing to the Sacramento Zoo a couple weekends ago. The kids (along with their cousin) had a fun time there seeing all the animals. And daddy had fun taking photos. I think this one was my favorite cuz the lion is looking right at me. 🙂

In Arnold, we were staying at a nice resort for which my sister and family had arranged for their exchanged timeshare. My mother was doing some cleaning and put out a garbage bag on the steps outside the condo. Ummm, not a good idea. Within 30 minutes, this little guy had come up on the steps and was into the garbage. He created quite a spectacle for all of us, especially for the four children, who all wanted to see him up as close as they could get. He did not run off with all of us looking at him so closely. Obviously, he is very used to people (and no doubt, garbage and receiving other treats). We saw him later in the week as well. He jumped up onto our deck, looking for more garbage or treats I guess (and I think it was a good thing the door was closed).