Evening Surfer

One of my first shots of the trip, on an evening walk on the beach across from our hotel.

Natural arch

While the tree was impressive in and of itself, really moved by the care the makers of the boardwalk took to go around it, even building a curved bridge over the creek to accommodate the tree.

Locks of Love

I assume the background is similar to that in other cities, where couples in love leave a token of their affection. Not sure the relation though to the memorial bench right next to this section of fence though. The bench memorializes James Hayes, a Cal Poly SLO professor of journalism. Maybe someone can enlighten me in the comments.

Onofre at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

Just enjoying the hike, and greeting every squirrel and rabbit he sees.

Family Photo I

Loving the unique benches on the trails of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Took some family photos that may turn up in future holiday cards.

Seagull

Bird on a rock. Not much more to it.

Family Photo II

Still loving the benches. Still trying to be middle America normal.

Randy took this

He even made me look cute, if I do say so myself.

The Rock

Not sure what I think about that wisp of fog, but the lighting was otherwise on point.

Squirrel

The little guy blended well. I saw him, but Onofre didn't.

Elephant Seals

A little posturing, a little shouting. All's normal at the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas.

Otters in Action

This was actually a relatively boring raft of otters until the light one on the middle (blondie) swam up and started mixing things up

Otters

Raft of otters, rolling in kelp.

Otters

They were adorable to watch, and I spent way too much this day stalking them.

Heading Out

Coast Guard heading out.

Coastal Lighthouse

The road in to the light station was closed due to the Covid 19 closures, but the foot trail from the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery was open. This shot was from the beginning of the trail - note the elephant seal on the beach in the near cove.

Piedras Blancas Light Station

Shot of the light station from the Boucher trail heading north from the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery. Light Station was closed to tourists due to Covid 19.

Pretty Colors

Just the colors. Pretty sure I wouldn't want to touch anything in this photo for any reason.

Standoff

Not just the two posturing elephant seals at waters edge, but the careful balance between the pelicans on the water and the seals on the beach. Every time one moved, someone else had to adjust.