Saturday, 8/22/09, Kevin and I headed down to Monterey. It was hot and sunny in Milpitas, and cool, breezy and overcast in Monterey. What a difference as you head toward the coast. We started out at Fisherman's Wharf and walked the 1.2 mile trail to Cannery Row, which is where the Aquarium is located. Most of these pictures can be double-clicked to see them in a larger view.
We walked alongside the harbor at the beginning of the trail. It was late afternoon/early evening and the water was full of activity. The sailboats were swaying in the breeze as the brown pelicans were swooping and diving in the water for their dinner. Cormorants, seagulls and loons (yes, loons!) were either swimming or sunning themselves on the rocks. A lone harbor seal was sleeping soundly amid all the activity!
Monterey Bay Aquarium was wonderful. It was the first time either of us had been there. We loved watching the animals in action, especially some of the strange and unique creatures under the sea.
I think we were most fascinated by the jellyfish. I did not know there were so many varieties and that they ranged from teeny tiny to very large, like what you see at the beach. My favorite one had to be the purple-striped jelly. It was the first one you came to and was one of the larger and more colorful of the jellies at the aquarium. It was mesmerizing to see them in action and the dim lights at the exhibit enhanced the beautiful colors. People were taking pictures like crazy. I was surprised I was able to capture the image in such a dark room!
Purple-striped Jelly
Black Sea Nettle Jelly
Moon Jelly
I think this one is cool because it looks like a flower in the center. It was soft and pretty compared to the more vibrantly colored jellies.
Comb Jellies Video
This video is of the Comb Jelly. You can hardly see the outline of the jellyfish. What makes this one so unique, is that eight linear structures within the jellyfish create a multicolor strobe effect as it hits the light. They looked like little spaceships floating in the water.
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The "Secret Lives of Seahorses" exhibit opened this past spring. Like the jellyfish, they also range in size. They can be as small as a fingernail to 7-8 inches tall. That's pretty large for a seahorse! They were pretty funny to watch. Some of them swam in large circles as their back fins fluttered while propelling them along.
The potbelly seahorses looked like they were all pregnant. Apparently for the male potbellies, bigger is definitely better. They inflate their bellies with water to attract a mate. Just what women want, a potbellied man! The second bizarre creature is actually a leafy sea dragon, a cousin to the seahorse. They have leaf-like appendages to help camouflage them in their home within the kelp.
Potbelly Seahorses and Leafy Sea Dragon
Monterey is home to the sea otter, commonly found floating on their backs in the harbor. This little guy is actually an African spotted-necked otter. The reason he was so funny is that he was by himself sitting on a rock baring his teeth at everyone. I don't know if he was making any noises, but he looked ferocious, or at least tried to, until it ended in a yawn. It was funny to watch.
After a day of sightseeing and shopping (I did most of that), we ended the night with a great dinner at Isabella's, an Italian seafood and steak restaurant. The dogs were waiting for us in the motorhome and were very well-behaved. Can you believe it? It was a great day. If anyone wants to visit, we would love to take you to Monterey Bay.
