Friday, August 17, 2012

The seals and squirrels of San Simeon

San Simeon's main attraction is of course Hearst Castle, but a good number two is the fact that they have a colony of elephant seals just north of town. In addition, at the parking lot there's tons of cute little squirrels running around, plus the odd arrogant seagull.

I was here three years ago and again Thursday, and not much has changed. Eejit tourists are still feeding the squirrels, despite big ole signs telling them not to. What part of "do no feed the animals" is hard to understand? Sigh.

All pics here.

Out in the waters, mature male seals were having it out. They have a mighty roar.
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Most of the seals looked like they'd gone to sleep where they'd been tossed by some random hand. The variety of places and positions was really something to behold.
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This little fella had found some paper he was busy wrapping up into a small ball.
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Rolling it together.
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Tucking it up in his jaws.
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Greetings, honored tourist-san. May I inquire as to the status of your food carrying?
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One big guy was sunbathing down on the rocks.
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OH HAI!
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This bird was walking the hood and roof of a parked car like he owned the vehicle. I took this pic on the way over to the seals, and the one below on my way back again, over ten minutes later.
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Food? Anybody? Helllllooooooo!
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Pelicans.
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A lil' birdie was trawling the bushes looking for food.
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The beach and the sea.
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