As a Chanukah present, Naomi and I took the whole family to Ano Nuevo north of Santa Cruz to see the Elephant Seals. Seeing these huge (up to 6000 lbs.) animals looking for all the world like 'Jabba the Hut' as they lurch-wiggle across the beaches and sand dunes is a little like being in some sci-fi flic. Below is a young male. You can see a little of the proboscis which, along with the immense size, gives the name Elephant Seal to the species. They were not very active when we were there - mating has not really 
gotten into full swing yet. Most of my pictures are of slug like creatures that look rather like mounds of earth and can be surprisingly well hidden among the dunes and brush of the beach. It is quite something to suddenly find yourself very close to a two and a half to three ton animal that could crush you in a very short period of time. They are faster than you would think!
This gives an idea of how you come upon one as you are walking through the dunes. If they feel threatened they will move quickly. They are always alert - they literally never sleep.
Below is a short video of a beach area with a number of Elephant Seals. As you can see, they aren't moving much.
gotten into full swing yet. Most of my pictures are of slug like creatures that look rather like mounds of earth and can be surprisingly well hidden among the dunes and brush of the beach. It is quite something to suddenly find yourself very close to a two and a half to three ton animal that could crush you in a very short period of time. They are faster than you would think!
This gives an idea of how you come upon one as you are walking through the dunes. If they feel threatened they will move quickly. They are always alert - they literally never sleep.Below is a short video of a beach area with a number of Elephant Seals. As you can see, they aren't moving much.
And, finally, a picture of the family at a late lunch after the trip!
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