It didn't really keep raining until April. We had at least three gorgeous days this week. That means bright sun and warm breezes. I'm glad for the school kids, because they finally got to enjoy their summer break, which ends next week. They've been bravely donning their little wetsuits and hitting the waves for a last hurrah.
Yesterday, we loaded a picnic in the car and headed south to Nugget Point, a promontory capped by a white lighthouse.
Crossing the Ridge to Nugget Point
In the water surrounding the Point are a smattering of smaller peaks. The nearest has a cave eroded into its center.
If you look closely you can see the peaks are made of sedimentary layers, which were flipped to vertical orientation and then eroded to points. I love geology. You can say terms like "vertical strata" with authority.
Looking North
Looking South
Kelp clings to the rocks
and waves like tentacles in the swell.
From high above the water, we watched seals dive and play in the surf.
A seal swims across the surface.
(Click image for larger view.)
If you can find four seals in this photo, you're really good.
(Click image for larger view.)
As we watched the seals, I noticed one moving at an unnaturally fast pace. We quickly realized it was a penguin racing through the waves for fish. After a few times across the lagoon, he surfaced and waddled ashore among the black rocks. Jeremy's penguin obsession swept over him, and he began bribing British tourists for their binoculars and couldn't be peeled from the railing.
