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Destination Año Nuevo

The purpose of Año Nuevo State Park, in San Mateo County, is to preserve and protect the scenic, biological, ecological, and cultural values of the central California coastline, including Año Nuevo Island and properties on the western slope of the coast range inland from Año Nuevo Point. The park protects and interprets the pinniped rookeries, a prime resource, and significant wildlife habitats on Año Nuevo Island and the mainland - As quoted on the park's web site

December 2009
On the first day of guided docent tours, Betsey and I braved some cold temps to see the first wave of incoming elephant seals as they get ready for the mating season.   While there was only a scattered population on shore, we were not disappointed as we had a wonderful docent (local Half Moon Bay resident) and plenty of time to spend on the close-in observation deck.   Much improved since our last visit.   I have some pics below as well as links to the Calif State Park web site, which houses a wealth of valuable information for you to explore so I can spend more time taking pictures!
an-coastline-09-229.jpg an-docent-09-234.jpg an-epeal-malefaceon-09-297.jpg an-epseal-lazing-09-247.jpg an-epseal-momnpup-09-248.jpg
Coastline Docent + Betsey Sandstorm Tough Day Mon n Pup
an-epseal-pup-09-276.jpg an-epseal-wavehello-09-242.jpg an-epseal-yawn-09-307.jpg an-island-09-325.jpg an-scapensky-09-237.jpg
Pup Dozing Wave Goodbye Winning Smile Año Nuevo Island December Skies

I plan to return a few more times this year to catch these monsters in action!   In the meantime here are links to find out more of this fascinating spot along the coast.

Main Site

Elephant Seals

Birds

Geology

History

Land Animals

Location

 
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