Tide Pool and Bird Show, July 8

We wanted to spend some time at some tide pools.  We learned of a good area from a few different locals.  On the way there we spied a bald eagle in a dead tree.  Score!  We stopped and jumped out to try and document it.

The tide pool area turned out to be wonderful, especially because we lucked out and met a budding young marine biologist with a specialty in jellyfish.  He was visiting with his dad, grandpa and an aunt. He was happy to show us things and come over and identify creatures the kids would find.  We all learned so much from him.

Lion's Mane Jelly

This sea star was so big and so purple! 

Moon Jelly, see the four more opaque cirlces? 

see below

Saw quite a few red sea cucumbers. 

ewww.

Rats, I have already forgotten the name of this one.  I think it was his favorite.  And used by doctor's to dye blood and monitor circulation.

Fried egg jellyfish

Tiny

And much bigger.

I think these pictures belong here.  We did go canoeing/kayaking for a couple hours one afternoon.  I don't have any shots of us on the water for obvious don't drop the camera reasons, but these were taken on our 1/2 way break.  Jen was with Alie, Brett with Isaac, Kaeli and Jaimi, Matt and Makenna, me and Jess.  Matt only had one speed--like swimming.  He rowed so forcefully, he opened up blisters on both hands between thumbs and pointers.  Jess was an enthusiastic paddler who got me very wet.  It was a fun activity and good exercise. 

 Then on the way back to the hotel, we saw another eagle fly and then land in a tree.  Then another and another.  At one point we could see 10 bald eagles.  There was also a vulture that flew down with some prey to work on on the ground below the eagles.  There was a golden eagle too and a bunch of crows harassing the big birds.  It was amazing.  It was like we were in our own nature show, just without the narration.  I wish I had my better zoom lens, but happy that we at least got the ones we did.

Golden Eagle