The California/Oregon coastline is home to an amazing number of animals and sea creatures. Being a diver, I've seen quite a few of these beauties in person, but if you don't dive, the ocean can be a scary place. Here's a few examples of what you would see under the waves. Starfish, starfish and more starfish. This one is looking at his reflection.
Wolf eels are much more difficult to find, since they like hiding in small crevices. This one just fell out of a small cave in the rocks ... and immediately headed back in. At about 3-1/2 feet long, it took quite some time for his tail to disappear into the small space.
Anemone everywhere ... on this coast they are a beautiful soft green color, standing out against the brown/rust colored rocks ... and more starfish!!
Jellies are always fun to watch, floating around so elegantly ... and fun to photograph.
I think these are the most photographed jellies on the Pacific Coast ... and you can see why!!
A face only a mother could love ... abalone!! Very tasty if you hammer the meat to tenderize it before frying.
There is a whole array of puffins. Their orange beaks and feet make it easy to see them flying underwater. They don't paddle, they actually move their wings as birds do when flying.
And of course otters!! These guys like to play and their antics can be hilarious!!
Munching on fish, clams and octopus, these big guys were well fed!!
Taking a big bite out of a small fish!!
As you can gather by now, we are at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport!! It was feeding time for the otters, which gives the handlers an opportunity to check out their health. It may look like they are just doing tricks, but the nose touching and twirling around give them a chance to see that everything is well with the otters. It's interesting to note that Oregon does not have a permanent population of otters, as does California.
Next up were my home namesakes ... buzzards!! They can smell rotten meat miles away!! This one doesn't have to hunt any more however, as ground up meat is provided for him as the handlers educate the public on this necessary but pretty ugly critter. They clean up a lot of roadkill and otherwise dead animals.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a great place to visit for $17.95. Kind of pricey, but it goes for a good cause!!
A short drive afterward, found us in Old Town with absolutely no available parking between the few small shops and the big fisheries. The magnificent bridge is readily accessible however, and makes for beautiful images.
Back at the ranch, the rest of the evening was spent watching television. The resident chef provided a delicious dinner of pork stir fry and rice, which preceded the usual Ben & Jerry's and puppy play time. Today I'll get out my cleaning supplies and touch up the rig. Her wheels are looking pretty sad. By the way, does anyone have a recommendation for a wheel polishing product???
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