A beach along Monterey’s Cannery Row
The one thing I knew I had to see in Monterey last weekend were the seals and sea lions by Cannery Row. I love wildlife, and didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to watch these little guys – even if it were only for five minutes – during my trip. And so, first thing Friday morning, before the writing workshop really got underway, I headed down to the beaches with another writer.
Seals on the rocks
This guy looked like a rock from far away
Seals ahoy!
Seals and Seagulls
A closer look at the mass of seal flesh
At first I couldn’t spot a one. But then, at the end of our walk along Cannery Row, a Monterey Aquarium volunteer pointed out to us a couple of them sunning on some rocks. And that wasn’t all. More were around the corner at Fisherman’s Wharf. As it turns out, a lot more. I couldn’t believe the mass of flesh on a floating dock, so many hanging right at the edge of the skiff. When a boat came in to dock, they all went nuts, jumping over that edge and into the water. Some swam away while others climbed back up right after the boat passed by, arguing and bickering over who got to sleep where.
Spooked by a boat
Swimming back after danger passes
Arguing for position
Others swim away
So long!
Jason's Travels 
I would love to check out these lovable animals next time I am in California. They look like a lot of fun to watch just like otters.
There were supposed to be some otters or something swimming around in the area, too, but we only saw these big loveable brutes. Nothing else. Maybe I’ll get lucky enough next time to spot some migrating whales.