Monterey Bay Aquarium

When folks from out of state begin planning a California family vacation, one of the first places they often think of is Disneyland. However, if they are fortunate enough to make their way to the Central California coast, there is another place that provides a different sort of Fantasyland, which isn't usually seen unless vision is allowed to break surface.

Over this past weekend, I spent a few hours with family at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even to my old jaded eyes, the wonder of all things great and small, dwelling in a watery environment creates special delight. There were Sea Otters, Jelly Fish, Sharks, Sea Horses, Anemones, Star Fish and Bat Rays. My grandkids enjoyed petting the Rays with their velvety skin.

Prior to a week ago, the aquarium played host to a Great White Shark. However, she was eating far too many of her roommates, and had to be released back into the wild.

Still, the aquarium presents many delightful things to see. Imagine for a minute, that you are standing with the group of people in front of that giant glass enclosure, looking at the multiple thousands of anchovies swimming swiftly in a school. Out of nowhere arrives a big shark at lightening speed right at them. The school creates a large hole in its midst as the shark swims through. We are only left to ponder how many anchovies were part of that dinner. Alas, I missed the shot!

If you don't look closely, there is a creature you may miss in the above slide show. It's green and it looks like a beautiful green leafed plant. But if you look closely, you realize it is actually what I found to be one of the more unusual creatures - a Leafy Sea Dragon. There were many different types of Sea Horses on display in the "Secret World of Seahorses" exhibit.

Trying to successfully photograph inside the aquarium wasn't the easiest thing I've done with a point and shoot camera. When I used flash, I would get light reflection bounced from the glass. Without flash, the shutter would remain open too long and the fish would become a blur.

However, I practice the old "safety in numbers" rule. Shoot enough pictures, and one or two of them are bound to be good enough to share.

If you are ever in Monterey, I highly recommend a trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium Visit - 11/17/09
Archived in ActiveRain: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1361894/breaking-surface-

Written by Myrl Jeffcoat - 11/30/09