December 9, 2020 - I

Watched a big-surf day from the pier. Might feel old to not be in the water, but was not disappointed with what the camera captured.

December 9, 2020 - II

The view from the north side of the Oceanside Pier.

December 9, 2020 - III

More of the view from the north side of the Oceanside Pier.

Morning nap

Sea lion just being all relaxed.

Cuddles

Naptime is better with a partner.

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.

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.

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.

Otters

Raft of otters, rolling in kelp.

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

Elephant Seals

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

The Rock

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

Seagull

Bird on a rock. Not much more to it.

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.

Evening Surfer

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

Saturday morning, May 30

Dusted off the cobwebs of social isolation and took the camera down to the newly (partially) reopened San Clemente beach this morning. Minimal crowds being very attentive to social distancing, and one judgmental bird wondering why all the people were back on his beach.

Sandpiper on a Sunday in San Clemente

The sandpiper was out for a stroll on the southside of the San Clemente Pier on this sunny Sunday morning

Sunday morning

Beautiful morning with shirtsleeve weather (for me) in February, shot this looking north from the San Clemente Pier.

Angry Ocean

It's understandable...grumpy this early in the morning should be a natural right.

Last Sunday Sunrise of 2019

One final early morning session at La Jolla Cove for 2019.

Dawn Patrol

North side of the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach early morning on Sunday October 20, 2019.

Going the other way

Heading south on the south side of the Crystal Pier. Dawn patrol shot on Sunday October 20, 2019.

Not ideal entry (II)

Seconds after a related picture of the same crew.

Not ideal entry (I)

The race included three laps, with one member of each boat exiting and running to shore at the end of each lap. Returning to the boat on the fly was the challenge, and occasional hazard.

Rowing and waves

Pushing through the surf.