Monday, March 24, 2008

52 Weeks: Week 18: Me & Bella

52 Weeks: Week 18: Me & Bella

Project 30: Nature is so bitchin'!

Since there was no pictures, I didn't post Mission #11 - Waltzing - here, but you can check it out at the Home of Project 30.

Task 12/30: Tour Ano Nuevo During Elephant Seal Mating Season
Complete: March 16, 2008

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Ano Nuevo Island sits off Ano Nuevo State Reserve and is home to over 5 types of Pinnipeds, but I was only interested in one this time - The Elephant Seals.

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Planning too late, tours booked for months in advance, I managed to get a single ticket to a tour very late in the season to travel up to the coast to the Ano Nuevo State Reserve to view supposedly thousands of elephant seals in their natural cycles. To my unfortunate disappointment, my tour came a little too late to see any real action, but that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy and respect how very awesome it was to be near these creatures. The tour guide noted several times that at this point in the season, they haven't eaten or drank any water in months, are emaciated and movement for us burns more calories than they have available. There would be no tussling males over females, no scampering little ones, only lazy, tired, underfed "weaners" and "flat" males. But those were enough to make it worth it.

Down paths and over sand dunes, we hiked behind the guide in a pack of about 15, careful to where she was routing and rerouting us, expertly spotting a calf in the grass where we would have all missed it laying in the "heat". The wind blew quickly and it amazed me that the guide kept commenting on how torrid it was for the seals. They must really like it cold.

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

They were everywhere, and even inactive, they were impressive to just stare at, and imagine the life they lead.

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

Elephant Seal Tour, Ano Nuevo State Reserve

The tour was a hefty few mile walk over a couple hours, exacerbated by fighting the wind, and turned in to a good sunny Sunday workout. I will definitely plan ahead in the future to go back in early January when the males are more active, and may even try and go back this summer when the little ones are there running around more and you don't have to be on a tour. I was happy that I finally made the 45 minute drive up the coast to this awesome nature that was so available to me, all these years ignored.

Mission Complete!

See all my Ano Nuevo Pictures Here.

Mmmm Cupcakes

0803 443

0803 446

Curious Cat

Bella 2005

Bella 2005

Crystal Pier, Pacific Beach

Crystal Pier, San Diego, Jan 2004

January 2004

West Cliff Sunset

West Cliff Dr., December 11, 2005

December 2005

Burning Woman 2005

BM05 Burning Woman

The Man Burns in 159 Days

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Murals in the Clarion Street Alley, SF

My Top 6 Viewed Pictures This Week:

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Mural, Clarion St. Alley

Star Wars - Not Just for Boys

IMG_3675

IMG_3680

Felton Covered Bridge

Felton, CA Covered Bridge Park 1/12/06

January 2006

Funny Signs

Funny Bathroom Signs in Venice

Funny Bathroom Signs in Venice
Link to the Large Version of this photo

Coastal California

Pigeon Pt. Lighthouse

Monterey Fisherman's Wharf

San Diego Sunset

San Diego, Vacation Village

February 2006

Summertime is Around the Corner

summertime is around the corner.

April 2007

Bright San Francisco Neighborhoods

Lombard Street

Conservatory of Flowers

0801 526

Sights from Burning Man 2005

BM05 Art Car

BM05 108

BM05 117

The Man Burns in 160 Days.

Inappropriate Graffiti

Mission District, San Francisco

Saturn Cafe Table

Saturn Cafe Table

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Project 30: San Jose Sharks Vs. St. Louis Blues

Task 10/30: My First NHL Hockey Game
Complete: March 14, 2008

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

Goal!!
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

Fight!!
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

Action!!
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

Goalies are funny.
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

This was on the side of a Zamboni, it was cute.
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

Sharks Win! They extended their winning streak to 11 games!
St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

I had a really great time! I'm very glad I got to go, and we had amazing seats. I'm really thankful for the whole experience and I had great company. I could definitely get into hockey and get season tickets. It's a fun sport and the fans in San Jose were great. It was fun, even if my team didn't win. How rare is it that you see 5 goals in a game and a record breaking game to boot? Just awesome.

St. Louis Blues @ San Jose Sharks

MISSION COMPLETE!
See all my pictures from the game here.

PS- Project is 1/3 complete! Woohoo!