Tag Archives: ano nuevo state park

Molting Elephant Seals

AE7I2839.jpgIt had been a few months since we had last visited Ano Nuevo State Park so Nancy suggested we take a trip there.  On a hot day inland, a run to the coast is certainly a good idea.  Besides, the elephant seals were in their molting season so were lying up on the beaches as they shed their winter skins.  Things were a lot quieter than is the case in the mating season.  A few immature males were practicing their fighting techniques in the shallows but nothing too serious.

AE7I2838.jpgThe molting process takes a while.  As the seals lie on the beach, you can see them going through the process with significant chunks of the old skin gone but a lot still left.  Over time they shed the whole thing and then can head back out to sea to resume their normal plan of eating, eating and more eating.

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Ano Nuevo Coastline

wpid10900-C59F1843.jpgWhile the elephant seals are the reason for our visit to Ano Nuevo, the coastline there is very attractive itself. When we first got there, it was quite overcast and everything was a little flat. As we started to head back to the center, the clouds broke up and the sun illuminated the coastline. As you can see, it is a great looking place and really not too far from the city.

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