Monday-feb 21st

What a day!!  We were all sad to leave the Pismo Beach area, but excited about seeing all the sights on the coastal highway.  We all loaded up on our comfy tour bus and were amazed at how the roads went up and down, curved around.  All the mountains were beautiful to see.  Interesting to learn that many were formed as a result of one volcano after another.  Many are referred to as a volcanic plug.  So green and blended with many colors.  We first arrived at one of the state parks to explore tidal pools.  Rocks to climb and much to see.  Walking out on the huge rocks was a bit tricky, and many of us became a bit daring as we got closer and closer to the water.  The waves crashed up against the rocks which filled many of the gaps and brought in some sea life.  Eric and Brian pointed out many interesting creatures along the way.  We also hiked on a few trails and saw some really beautiful flowers and odd shaped trees.  The sun was shining and the temps were about 60 degrees.  Finally someone yelled, otter!!  and yes, there was an otter!!  Brian got us a close up look with his special telescope.  Then we loaded the bus and went to see elephant seals.  When we heard we were going to see elephant seals, nobody was ready to see what we saw.  Hundreds of elephant seals laying on the shoreline basking in the sun.  The males weigh almost 5,000 pounds!!!  They were huge!! The females weigh about 2-3,000 pounds.   There were many smaller babies too!! They were all just laying there, looked like they were all dead at first, but alive and well as they enjoyed the sun. The photos are amazing.  Eric explained that many years ago they were almost gone from our earth. At one time there were only 100 elephant seals left. Today, the population is just over 200,000 and growing.  We learned that our neighboring country Mexico helped to preserve the 100 that were left, and because of their help, the elephant seals are still with us today.  After seeing all these amazing creatures, we loaded the bus and headed toward Sand Dollar Beach.  This was actually nicknamed the Jaded coast because the beach area is loaded with rocks  that are colored many shades of green.  It was a hike down to get to the water, the pacific ocean in this area.  Very steep and tricky walk down.  Once on the beach area, tons of rocks, hard to walk on, but fun to go rock hunting.  While looking and searching for the perfect rocks to bring back to school, I ended up breaking one of the golden rules while near the ocean water. I went to pick up this "perfect" looking rock that I saw when the waves rolled back, turned my back for just a moment to pick up the rock, and before I knew it, a wave crashed down on me and I was soaked. Still got my rock, but now soaking wet!!!  So I looked for a short time after that, but had to head back to the bus to get the bus driver to help me find my suitcase so that I could get a change of clothes!!  What a story I will be able to tell when I share those rocks with my class.  After that adventure, we loaded the bus and headed up the coastal highway towards Monterey.  We stopped along the way to view many wonderful sites and take some unique pics.  Ended up at our first look at some redwoods at Big Sur.  What a great place!!  Amazed by our first look at Redwoods, how huge ans so beautiful.  The lodge looked like a great place to stay.  Had some snacks and tea to warm up, then headed to our final destination for the day, Monterey.   Checked in to our hotel and then to  Bubba Gump for some shrimp.  Looking forward to tomorrow..... we head to Pacific Grove, butterfly town USA!!!