Cabrillo Tidepools

San Diego Metro KOA
Cula Vista, CA
January 10, 2017

I visit the beach to walk and enjoy the pups and surf.  I go to the tide pools to explore and experience.  Yesterday, the low tide was at 2:03 pm and the weather cooperated for a fun day of doing just that...exploring and experiencing.  I'll say from the get-go, I didn't see many marine species.  A disappointment yes, but that didn't spoil my excitement for looking and being there. 

The Kellet's Whelk is the largest sea snail.  

 The home of a Wavy Turban Snail (characterized by having a heavily sculptured spiral shell) sits on a clump of surf grass. 

 The algae was especially brilliant.

Once these Gooseneck Barnacles attach to the rocks as larvae, they do not move their entire lives. 
 A Bat Star hiding under a rock.  
The solitary sea anemone is the largest of the Southern California anemones. Their color comes from the symbiotic algae that live in them.

Sand-castle worms are tube builders and almost always found in a colony.  Even though the worm is only 2 inches long, they cement together tiny grains of sand and shells to create reefs up to 6 feet long. 

Exploring works up an appetite. Snack with a view...

 And one last look before we go...

 The ride to the tidepools at Point Loma take you through Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.  It's a beautiful and somber drive.

Until next time, let the good times roll.

 HAPPY TRAILS !

P.S. Check out last years tidepool day in the featured post  (top right side tool bar).  I saw three stars !

Three Stars and a Cadillac!

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 21, 2016

Last Thursday turned out to be my best tide pool day EVER! 
Lisa, a friend whose blog I have followed for a few years and just happens to be a local, had suggested exploring the pools at Sunset Cliffs which is also in Point Loma. But, the local news had reported that a huge crack along the bluffs (caused by the rains from El Nino) could be dangerous. Our group decided not to take any chances so we returned to Cabrillo National Monument. 

I was happy to see lots of anemones and practice with the under water camera. 

Clarity seems to be better, but I do need lots more practice so that using this camera becomes second nature. It is lots of fun!
All these photos are underwater...

A slight movement caught my eye under this rock...

 The water was murky so the picture isn't clear. It is a California Spiny Lobster...I am guessing this is a full grown lobster at about 12 inches. They have a pair of enlarged antennae and no claws.

A Black Turban Snail shell taken over by a hermit crab...

I try very, very hard to step carefully and be respectful of life in the pools. Sometimes, small creatures are so camouflaged, do you see the shore crab in this photo?

 The highlight of the day were three stars. The first two were Knobby Sea Stars found by Richie and the last was a Bat Star. A park ranger pointed me in the direction to find it.




Speaking of park rangers, they are quite visible during low tide and eager to share information.

The first Knobby Star I have ever seen. 




Then I used the underwater camera...

Knobby Stars are found in a variety of beautiful colors ranging from red, orange, brown, blue, gray, and tan. The water was not deep enough for underwater pictures.   

 And the Bat Star...
The water was murky here too and he looks rather dull...


but, the underwater photos are brilliant!

Bat Stars have webbed arms with suction-cup tube feet. He will eat almost anything and is capable of turning it's stomach inside out to digest his food externally.

A Whimbrel also taking in the sights at the pools.

A droplet in the water...

Blue Mussels...their major predator is sea stars.

This was Lynn's first outing in three weeks. She has been very sick with acute bronchitis. 

 Oh yes, I almost forgot, we did end the afternoon with a Cadillac...the best Cadillac I have ever had...

Both of those are not mine!

 ...at the best and most fun cafe we have been to! Of course, it could have just been the friends we were sharing it with!  


 Let the good times roll...

 HAPPY TRAILS!