Blogtober 13: A Sea Lion Reprise

 

After yesterday's wet gloom the sun shone brilliantly today in agreement with the weather forecast. We had made plans to go on a boating expedition with the grands, with the proviso that if the winds and waves didn't cooperate we would cancel. 

Although the morning ride was a bit bumpy, we persevered. Our goal was to see the Sea Lions on the dock once again. We made a land excursion a few weeks ago and thought the view would be better by boat, and that the grandchildren would enjoy the trip. 

One grandchild couldn't make it, but the four that came had a wonderful time. The two eldest loved sitting on deck despite the chilly wind. 

The younger two also enjoyed getting out on deck and were fearless about climbing around - which made me nervous. But they have learned to always keep one hand firmly holding onto the boat, and always wear their life jackets. Cora waved and called to the sea lions, but they didn't pay her much attention.

This massive Stellar Sea Lion acted like the king of the dock. When we returned home the little girls pretended to be sea lions and barked just like them. They also decided that Nana was a rock that the sea lions liked to climb and we had great fun playing on the floor. 

The boat ride home was smoother than the one going out, and beautiful Mount Baker shimmered white and blue in the distance. 

I'm sitting in the living room this evening composing this post and I'm afraid the chair seems to be going back and forth as if I were on the boat. This often happens to me after a lengthy boat ride, and it can take a day or two for things to settle down. 

Sunny clear days are in the forecast for the next few days. We have to make the most of them while we can. 

Blogtober 2: The Boys are Back in Town

 

We took a look at the weather and decided Wednesday would be best for a short day trip. Rain began as we drove, and continued sporadically. Weather reports are clearly fallible. 

 

"Is this my best side?"

Every year, after the breeding season, sea lion males leave the rookery (breeding ground) and move to haul-out sites along the coast. One of these sites is the Government Dock at Cowichan Bay. We could hear the barking and growling of the sea lions from at least a mile away.

One of the reasons they come is to gorge on the salmon now gathering in the estuary before entering the river to spawn. 

What fun to watch the sea lions lounging on the dock. They flop themselves over the low railing, wave their flippers in the air, yawn, and resemble huge slugs. On land they move slowly; it looked almost painful, but once in the water they dive and swim with grace. 

A number of years ago, during an El Niño season, the warm current brought California sea lions to our waters. They liked it so much they stayed. They are smaller and darker in colour than our local Stellar Sea Lions. The locals have golden fur and are much larger; some males weigh up to 1100 kilograms. 

In November, when the population is at its highest, the smell and sound of the sea lions carries a long way. They are both pungent and noisy. Today we didn't smell anything. 

After watching for awhile in the drizzle, we enjoyed lunch at the pub. The Coconut Prawn Fish Tacos were delicious. He had his with french fries and I had mine with salad. Then home for a quiet afternoon and evening.