April 23, 2018 - Tanya witnesses a Harbor Seal SCARE in Monterey and Elisa Goes on A Tour of Garden City, Long Island

Tanya's Daily Scoop​
Covering the West Coast & the World
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 5 DAYS

Total SCARE for a Harbor Seal Pup 

Hello there!

Well I'll tell you right of the bat that my day did not quite go according to plan yesterday...

There was no visit to Pinnacles National Park. This will be postponed until another time.

As you further read about my day, you'll discover exactly what happened and why we didn't go.

For starters after my long day of cycling and short night prior, I was in bed on Saturday night by 9:30p!  And if you know me (depending on how long you've been following our blog - you might know me quite well) you know that I usually don't go to bed until the very wee hours of the late night or early morning. So if I was in bed by 9:30p you know I was exhausted!!!

And with Dave (the lover of sleep) and no urgent reason to get out early, we had a lazy bones type of morning. But alas we had to check-out and off we went.

Breakfast was first and we had returned to the small little cafe Tillie Gorts that has been around since 1969. Each of us ordering a Tofu Scramble. But I was extra hungry, so I also added on an order of Artichoke Bruchetta. 

The Pesto Scramble (c)travelincousins.com

The Greek Scramble (c)travelincousins.com

The Artichoke Bruchetta (c)travelincousins.com

We had shared a leisurely breakfast before heading out to the coast (which was only a few blocks away).

After riding the course on Saturday past this same point in Pacific Grove, Dave had mentioned to me that there were Harbor Seal pups, so of course I was quite eager to come back with my SLR to snag a few shots, as well as to observe the adorable animals for a while.

It is birthing season for the Harbor Seal and right here along the shores of beautiful Pacific Grove in a Marine Reserve which gets fenced off from the dangers of human interaction between the months of March - May each year.

Postings not to disturb (c)travelincousins.com

One of the many coves (c)travelincousins.com

Learning about the Harbor Seals (c)travelincousins.com

​We met up with and very educational volunteer from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary  who pointed out pups that were as young as 1 day old!

Amongst other things that he had shared, he had suggested that I take a look at the FaceBook page Harbor Seals of Pacific Grove

How could I not stop and stare. I was mesmerized and ooooohing and ahhhhhing at their cuteness.

Once I finally was ready to begin moving on to the next spot on the trail that I wanted to capture some more photos from we couldn't help but catch a glimpse of the day old baby once more.

A mother and her pup (c)travelincousins.com

Well camouflaged (c)travelincousins.com

Breaking of the wave (c)travelincousins.com

A nursing pup (c)travelincousins.com

​But things went downhill from there...

As we were watching the Seals, there was a fairly good sized wave that came crashing on the peaceful sun bathers. Even the big hefty ones got jostled by the powerful force of water.

Next thing you know the wee little day old baby seal had been pulled away from it's momma.

Mother and baby separated (c)travelincousins.com

This caused a panic (not only for the seals but for us too). There wasn't a volunteer or passerby who couldn't take there eyes off of the drama that was happening right before us. This was the type stuff that makes National Geographic so difficult to watch. 

The momma seal was in a panic, you could see it in her eyes and the expression on her face.
The baby pup was also in a panic not knowing what to do or where to go. The safety and comfort of being at his mother's side had been harshly stripped away.

Momma immediately went out to sea in search of her newborn. She swam back and forth diving down in efforts to locate the baby.

But she was moving in the opposite direction and further away.   Whereas the baby had been washed further ashore and between some of the rocks.
We were calling out to the mom trying to get her attention...(as if she would somehow understand us). 

Our eyes were fixed and we weren't going anywhere until this issue was resolved.

The baby squirming around, not knowing what to do. But also not really calling out or crying.

Nature was being rather cruel in these moments of despair.

The momma seal had finally decided to come back to the shore. The baby had finally decided to begin to whimper. Momma heard the call and soon enough (although it seemed like an eternity) the pair had been reunited! THANK GOD!

Reunited! (c)travelincousins.com

So precious (c)travelincousins.com

2 sets of moms and pups (c)travelincousins.com

We were finally able to breathe again and so I had finally continued our planned walk.
​The coastline in Pacific Grove is just amazingly beautiful.
Dave had read a little something about the history of the area and it had said -

Caramel Beach by Beauty, Monterey by Smell (known for it's fisheries), and Pacific Grove by God.

The Rugged Coastline (c)travelincousins.com

A view in every direction (c)travelincousins.com

So pretty (c)travelincousins.com

Floral scapes along the shore (c)travelincousins.com

After taking a stroll to the south we had turned around and strolled back to our dear little seals and then just a bit further north where there is another beach that was sanctioned off as a reserve to protect the wildlife

Can you spot all of the seals? (c)travelincousins.com

Here there was over 150 more seals and about 40 pups! There was plenty more sand for the love of sun bathing and another volunteer to share stories and information with us.

Sun bathers (c)travelincousins.com

She also had a scope that we were able to not only sneak a peak through, getting in nice and close, but now I have to have one. A scope that is...I know I can't have a seal!

Dave taking a peak (c)travelincousins.com

Resting (c)travelincousins.com

We still were going to the famed Cannery Row and to pick up lunch to go before hitting the road.

​But since so much time had been lost in watching the Harbor Seal drama unfold and happen right in front of us, I really didn't feel as though we had much time to get over to Pinnacles and make it to the visitors center before it closed. So I was okay with putting if off TBD.

Cannery Row banner (c)travelincousins.com

Cannery Row (c)travelincousins.com

Shopping around Cannery Row (c)travelincousins.com

Picking up a very yummy lunch (sorry no pics) at El Cantero and then onward for the 6 hour drive back to Anaheim Hills.
​We arrived home at around 11pm, which is quite early for us, so we got a good nights rest and now have a day full of errands and then choir ahead of us.

Lots going on this week and then I'll be off again in 5 days.    Where to you ask...San Francisco

On that note I'll bid you adieu,
​-Travelin' Tanya

Elisa's Daily Scoop
Covering Long Island & NYC Boroughs
​CURRENTLY  IN GARDEN CITY, NY

Tour of Garden City, Long Island

Hello! Monday here.

Do you remember last Monday I was supposed to assist a tour of Garden City, with a special focus on the Cathedral of the Incarnation? (click link for the re-cap from last Monday)

April 16, 2018 Daily Scoop Blog 

The Cathedral of Incarnation in Garden City, NY is the Seat of the Episcopal Diocese and on the National Register of Historic Places. (c) travelincousins.com

Well, because we had a total downpour of rain last week, the tour was rescheduled until today!!

So, I've got to head out and get on my way - busy day - but I'll give you the full scoop tomorrow!!!

Also, since Tanya had to finalize her blog after it emailed yesterday,  I am posting the link below, in case you missed it!

April 22, 2018 - Sea Otter Classic Gran Fondo in Monterey and Re-cap of Elisa's Day in Stony Brook

Lastly, this week is 
​LONG ISLAND RESTAURANT WEEK!!

Take advantage of Spring Long Island Restaurant Week April 22 – 29, 2018, when participating restaurants will offer a $28.95 three-course prix fixe all night every night they are open from Sunday to Sunday, except Saturday when it is only  offered until 7 p.m. 

​What a great deal!!

Two of my faves are participating:

Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas (Westbury)

Revel Restaurant & Bar (Garden City)

I hope you have a fabulous day!!

-E
xoxo