Usually I am the one that makes the journey home to visit my family, but this past weekend my mom and dad came down to visit me.
While I have made San Luis my home for almost 5 years now, I am no expert on the sights and sensations that are available here. However I have still managed to see some pretty awesome things during my stay here. This weekend however, I was lucky enough to encounter two adventures that are opportunities that many never get the chance to experience.
Our first expedition took us to a small beach close to Pismo Beach and at this beach there is a small grove of eucalyptus trees. During the month November through February, if you make a trip to this grove, you may think you have stepped into a National Geographic magazine. When you gaze up into the treetops you see a cluster of what looks to be beehives. At a closer glance however, you see these hives shaking. That's when you realize....
It's......ALIIIIIIVE!
Swarms of vicious, man-eating monarch butterflies! They fly all around your head, and bring smiles to those I thought would never share a toothy grin....I barely escaped with my life! In all seriousness though they are quite a sight to see. The masses are at their peak in mid January. They stop at this grove on their migration to the Great Valley...wait, maybe that was that dinosaur kid....
This year, I was informed that a record number of butterflies graced us with their presence. Twenty eight thousand stopped at this particular spot, that's seven thousand more than last year. Impressive. I have gone to see them for the past 4 years now and the sight never gets old. Plus if you dabble in photography like I do, you couldn't ask for a better photo op!
I have dubbed this display "The Butterhive"
One, two, three, four....no wait I think I counted that one already...
Beware! They're vicious!
The next day of my parents visitation, our travels took us north on Highway one (BEAUTIFUL drive along the ocean side) up past Hearst Castle (also BEAUTIFUL if you ever get the chance to see it). After passing the zebras on the side of the road and feasting my eyes on the glorious mansion on the hill, we pulled of the road (side note: Mr. Hearst used to have a menagerie of animals at his private zoo and some of the descendants remain on the vast Hearst property today. That's where the zebras came from.)
One of the first thing noticeable at this location is the....unique.....smell. It is not overpowering yet it smells similar to a port-a-potty trying to be masked by febreze ocean scented spray. When you make your way over to the guard rail, at first it looks like an odd rock formation has taken over the beach. Then this face looks up at you...
Look how happy he is to see you!
Almost 5,000 pounds of blubber making some of the oddest noises and producing fragrances that might make big money in some french perfume shop is gazing back at your face. Seeing a schnoz like this, it is no wonder this animal was dubbed with the name of elephant seal. I must say, the shear size of these animals was more than I expected. The males grow to be anywhere from 2-5 THOUSAND pounds and the females (which are exponentially cuter than the males) grow to be anywhere from 1,500 to 2,500 pounds.
This is one of the females. She could be Brodies relative....
These two were gossiping..."SHE SAID WHAT?!?!"
The various snorts, gurgles, chirps, roars, chortles, and belches these guys made was another experience to hear. I couldn't get my video to load but here is one that displays their vocal abilities...
Overall it was a really fun weekend. I saw things I have seen before but I also got the chance to discover something new with my family.
Anyways, it's past my bedtime, and it's my birthday so I am going to give myself the gift of sleep. Sweet dreams bloggers!
You have inspired Nunu to are the butterflies. She really wants to go. Happy Bday Kidd.
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