January 2016 - Winter in the Oakland Hills

We're not in Michigan any more. So, this post will not include snow scenes. We've been benefiting from El Nino rains this month, and it has made a difference here in the hills. They've turned from "golden" to green.

The ridge after a rain

Mt. Diablo with clouds over Moraga

Early morning - clouds in the canyon

On the last day of January

Of course, rain can mean rainbows when the conditions are right.

Rainbow over Moraga

Zoom version - Moraga visible behind the rainbow

Another day, another rainbow - zoom version

Same rainbow showing more of the arc

Lest you think that all we do is look at the scenery, here are some photos of Erick's latest project, erosion control on the back slope.

Cement reinforcements above the slope

Reinforcement in progress at the end of the steps

Close up of the area under construction

The "Reinforcer" himself on the way to putting tools away

Not a large reptile - pipes to extend existing drainage 

Reseting stones at the end of the path 

Erick the stone mason

On the plant scene - Manzanitas bloom in January and so does our Jade bush:

One of the many Manzanitas on our back slope 

Close up of the blooms on a Manzanita in front of the house 

Jade bush on the bay side balcony 

Pets make for some fun photos:

Sunny as fur ball 

Sunny uncurled

Wait, something is missing! Oh, yes, sunsets:

Reflection turned the bay a pastel peach

Bay side on a cloudy evening 

The same sunset a bit later from a different angle

Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium - Part II

Heading back to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on the second day of our visit, we couldn't help but notice the change in the size of the waves along the shore.  And, we continued to be fascinated by the harbor seals.

(All photos taken with my Olympus SH-1. Click a photo to see a larger version.)

Waves and gulls 

Harbor seal beach with high tide approaching

Harbor seal sunning on a rock

Back in the Aquarium - examples of the non-living exhibits:

Whales

Orca

Dolphins

We made it in time to see the penguins being fed.

An assistant records the number of fish eaten by each penguin

Notice the name bands on the penguins' flippers

Guarding the nest

Swimming

We got our best look at the sea otters the second day.

Photo on screen at the sea otter exhibit

Live video of the sea otters being feed

Otter in the tank

A playful pair

There were lots of other wonderful exhibits to view and photograph:

Reef fish

Sand dollars 

Sheep crab with sculpture

Anemones

Manta ray

Baby rays and egg cases

Clown fish with anemones

Crab and coral

Well-camouflaged fish 

Eels

Giant clam

Jumping blennies on rock

Close-up of blennies

Lion fish 

One of the kelp forest fish

We left the Monterey Bay Aquarium with enough energy for the walk back along the bay side trail and for a brief visit to the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum near the Centrella Inn.  It featured extensive old collections of mounted birds and animals, and historical artifacts.  I took only a few photos there.  

Fascinated by the waves at high tide:

At the museum:

Watch-rabbits at the door

Tree decorated in Victoria style with
replicas of birds and furry critters

Dressed for the season

Chair of various woods created for the 1915 World Fair in San Francisco

Model of a fishing village

No doubt we'll be returning to the Monterey peninsula.  It's definitely worth the two plus hour drive from our home.