Big Sur Wildlife

I had been hoping to spot some otters while in Big Sur, but I was in no way prepared for the incredible amount of wildlife we encountered.  While eating breakfast one morning at Treebones Resort we counted at least 5 whales and 3 packs (pods?) of seals. 

1/160, f/6.3, ISO 200

Over the weekend we also saw dolphins, a lone otter, countless hawks and other birds, tons of monarch butterflies...

1/50, f/13, ISO 200

And elephant seals! It was Loud, Smelly, all around Obnoxious pupping season at Piedras Blancas Roookery:

1/100, f/18, ISO 200

1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 1600

1/100, f/13, ISO 200

1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 1600

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1/60, f/13, ISO 200

1/125, f/13, ISO 200

Treebones

One of my favorite birthday gift traditions is my dream weekend getaway.  I get to plan my ideal destination, lodging, and itinerary and cash it in sometime in January.  It is the perfect way to launch the new year.  This year I chose to go yurting at Treebones Resort in Big Sur, CA.

It's about 4 hours south of San Francisco, so we arrived in the dark.  It was so much fun to stargaze from our balcony!

20 sec, f/4, ISO 400

1/15, f/25, ISO 250

1/125, f/5.6, ISO 320

I woke up early and caught the sunrise!

1/160, f/6.3, ISO 800

1/80, f/22, ISO 160

We spent an amazing day driving and hiking around Big Sur and saw a TON of wildlife (more pics to come!). Back to home base in time for sunset and more stargazing.

1/15, f/22, ISO 160

1/30, f/7.1, ISO 320

Surf 'n Seals

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I was thrilled to spend my birthday weekend at Moss Beach, watching the surf and the seals. I could stare at the ocean forever.

1/1000, f/5.6, ISO160

1/500, f/5.6, ISO 160

1/800, f/5.6, ISO 160

1/500, f/5.6, ISO 160

1/500, f/8, ISO 160