During my Sunday walk, I saw a dirt path leading through some bushes....of course I had to take it. When I came through the clearing I saw a Mom and Dad laughing with their 2 kids. They were standing on a cliff of boulders, looking down. The Dad was filming a Seagull gulping down a starfish. It was hilarious! When he swallowed it, the starfish triangles stuck out both sides of his neck. Like a cartoon! We started conversing and since they were tourists they asked me where else they could see the sea life and animals. They were very nice people so I told them every place I saw splendor.
I looked down into the tide pool below us and knew what would be down there. So I started climbing down the boulders and rocks. The Dad asked me where I was going. I told him that I was going in search of sea life. He and his wife said "Oh we are so there!" I was helping their son down and they had their daughter. The family was from Texas, so basically I turned into their tour guide.
This tide pool was different, it was in a small cove full of long deep green sea grass and larger sandy dips of pools that you could bathe in. The seagull was still trying to get the starfish down it's neck, but we had moved on to the life beneath the water. We watched and touched the sand crabs, sea anemones and the various starfish. Not only were they amazed, but I as well. I saw beauty that appeared at times to be magic. And in all of my years, I witnessed something I have never seen before. I have been near, on and in the ocean since I was born. This day would show me something new.
First we start with the view of the tide pool. Climb down the boulders with me, into an amazing colorful cove full of private lives. You won't regret the climb. It is worth it.
Second, we take a gander over at the brave Seagull. The one so hungry, it swallowed and nearly choked on a starfish. I guess good seafood is worth it. I'd kill for a great slice of abalone right now. It took the dang bird 20 minutes or so to get it down it's neck. If you look real close you can see it's fat neck. Trust me, Seagulls have skinny necks.
Now we move onto the Starfish. They were hungry too. Like I said, in all of my years in or out of the ocean, I have seen starfish, but I have never seen them move at a break neck speed in order to devour some sand crabs. It was the prettiest and most graceful thing I have ever seen. The 5 of us, just stood there and gazed in awe of such beauty. The kids were screaming with joy. Here are two different starfish that we watched during their supper time. This was a special moment for me. I had always wanted to see how they ate. They sure do pick up speed when there is food involved.
We had spent 2 hours down in the cove. The little ones asking me questions, the mom and dad just watching their kids pick up the crabs. I was in heaven teaching little ones again. I showed them that it was safe to touch the starfish. I didn't get a picture of the black starfish. I don't know why I forgot. Anyway, the kids were giggling and noticing that each starfish felt differently. The red one was smooth, the orange sandy and the black was like rocks. While the kids and I were letting the sand crabs walk in our hands, the tide came in a little bit and soaked us. I loved it! I did snap a picture of the rushing water. The colors of the deep green sea grass against the blue water, looks like a crayola box of colors.
It was at this time, we parted ways. They told me if was a joy to meet me and they thanked me for showing their kids what was under the waves. I told them where they could find the sea lions, the harbor seals, pelicans and jellyfish. They were going to the aquarium today, but I think their experience in person with the sea life will be a lot more memorable. I know that I had a blast! I never tire of the world out here. I am already looking forward to what I will find next weekend.
Tomorrow night, I will post the barnacles that turn color in the blue water and the sea anemones of a glowing lavender.
Thank you for joining me again. It is always a pleasure to show you my adventures.
