La Jolla, CA

The La Jolla coast is known for its population of wild seals and sea lions. On any sunny day it is easy to see large numbers of them lounging or swimming along the shoreline.

It took me a while to see the differences between the two marine mammals. Sea lions are brown and have external ears. Seals are darker gray, brown, or almost black and have no external ears.

They snuggle up, often resting upon each other. Others lounge on rocks, almost blending in. Birds walk around, and sometimes over them, with impunity.

I have watched them for hours, leaving totally at peace.