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 !