Although that web site is rather repulsive.
What I'm referring to is Elephant Seals. Those things are CRAZY.
A couple weekends ago Ramin, Josh, and my madman brother decided to camp out overnight on a certain unnamed (but certainly popular) north county beach. I'm far too old and hoity-toity for such misadventures -- and my house, bed, and TV are entirely too close -- but I commend the trio for their get-up-and-go attitude and making it happen. Although next time, guys, might consider an actual tent/shelter/rainfly, of some sort...it gets pretty wet at night on the ocean, fellas. But still, good effort, I'll join in next time. (with a tent/shelter/rainfly.)
To my credit, I did cruise up there bright and early the next morning to join in the revelery. And help consume the leftover beer. Unfortunately, I showed up but the waves didn't -- flat -- not quite the vision the intrepid campers were hoping for upon sunrise on their sandy piece of prime beachfront real estate. Better luck next time.
Getting back on topic...The night before we'd been at another beach just a mile or two further north, hoping to find something surfable up there amidst the run of flatness we'd been having. We didn't find waves but we found Elephant Seals. Lots of Elephant Seals. And these things are unreal. Crazy things. HUGE things. I've never seen them up close on the beach before, only from afar. And from afar, you don't realize the sheer mass of these creatures, truly something else. From afar, you don't realize the absolute panic these creatures can instill, as you're frantically hustling to get out of the way of a fleeing full-grown female and her hot-in-pursuit amorous male counterpart...instilling "Tremors" flashbacks and shaking the ground as they flop-slide closer and closer...SHEER MASS. Frightening. We're talking 16,000 pounds MASS. And a surprisingly fast 16,000 pounds at that. (Bet you didn't know: While excellent swimmers, elephant seals are even more surprising on land, where they have a higher velocity than the average human when moving over sand dunes.)
So this particular vicinity is very well known for having Elephant Seals -- thousands of them nest and breed year-round just maybe a half-mile or so out on the point, and on the more secluded beaches on the northern end. But, normally, they stay there. This marks the first time they've ever come ashore on this exact stretch of popular, heavily-trafficked State Park beach...which the rather excitable crew of Park Rangers patrolling the beach were quick to inform us. (Actually, when the Ranger came hustling up to Selin and I when we first arrived, surfboard under my arm, I was expecting a different message altogether: Along with Elephant Seals comes Elephant Seal Predators (aka Men in Grey Suits) (Aka the Landlord) (aka Big Toothy) (aka Great White Sharks)...figured there had been a sighting. Or worse.) So as we stepped on the beach she quickly pointed out the masses of blubber dotting the landscape in front of us, and reminded us to keep our distance -- at least 25 feet -- and not to do anything to bother or excite the animals. (Apparently driving a Park Ranger truck all over the beach and around the animals doesn't count)
There were maybe 10 or so of the Seals across the beach, all just laying there on the sand. Really something else to see. Most of them just laid there, taking in the last of the evening sun, but a couple got a little rowdy, including the mating ritual we observed mentioned above. There were two brave surfers out in the water at the cove, and we briefly contemplated joining them -- but the surf (and the surroundings) didn't really warrant it. We were further comforted in our decision when after about 30 minutes, one of the bulls (male seals) decided to go in the water and check in on those two surfers...see what they were all about. Needless to say, those surfers got out of the water...FAST. Pretty funny from our beachside vantage point, but I'd imagine somewhat terrifying for those two dudes. We were laughing about it with them for a second afterwards. Locals Only!
Anyways, this has been a long story, but you should get it by now -- Elephant Seals are big, weird, blubbery, amazing creatures. And it never ceases to amaze me this place I live, such experiences, such marvels can present themselves at every bend, every moment. Just take it all in and enjoy it: the ocean is a fascinating place.
A few more photos to finish things off. I think I'll go surfing this afternoon. (Somewhere without Elephant Seals.)
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3 comments:
Man in the Grey Suit (aka Blubber Blasters) (aka Chubby Chasers)
Great description of those crazy blubbery behemoths. That was incredible to witness them up close like that. They are massive! If only locals would scatter like that when I paddled within 100ft of them... maybe if I start eating massive amount of fish and putting on some blubber...
Or just grow a beard. That was pretty terrifying.
i thought at first that they would just be scared by the terrifyingly tropical designs on our boards but that doesnt seem to have worked so far
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