My brother Hugh and I went kayaking yesterday on Monterey Bay. Glorious conditions: sunny, light breezes, slight swell. Also: lots of sea lions around the breakwater; otters in pairs sleeping, grooming, or eating in the kelp; and so many harbor seals, more harbor seals than I have seen in a single outing before, all curious.
We tried our best to keep the regulation distance from these creatures. The harbor seals, in particular, kept swimming up to our boats. We'd move away, and they would follow. So, often, we drifted and watched, and they watched us in return.
Good workout too.
Thank you, Monterey Bay and all your creatures.
