Monterey Aquarium   

In late April 2002 while in Monterey, California I walked down Cannery Row from my hotel and rented a kayak for a day paddle.  It was a sit-on-top, but a pretty nice, ocean going one.  The outfitter furnished paddling pants, splash jacket, PFD and paddle.  It was pretty early in the season and no one else was in the shop.  The put in was across the street, down concrete stairs to a small beach next to a large hotel.  I paddled north, along Cannery Row and past the Monterey Aquarium.  Staying inside the kelp line, I worked my way past a couple of coves and past Lover's Point.  The water was amazingly clear and I could see a tremendous amount of plant life growing in the water.  Lots of wildlife around, otters playing in the kelp, a few seals too and many birds, mostly gulls but a few pelicans and terns. 

After a break on the beach at Lover's Point, I paddled past the Cannery Row waterfront and to the breakwater.  A few old hulks of cannery's still stand, although much has been torn down or renovated.  Along the breakwater a large number of sea lions had taken up residence and could be easily heard vocalizing their desires.  Inside the harbor is Fisherman's Wharf, which is quite large and has a large catch processing building at the end.  The fishing boats were pulled alongside and birds and sea lions waited for leftovers.  They would race each other for the tidbits that floated by.  The birds are particular good at snatching a morsel from the lips of a sea lion.  Sea lions had taken over some of the buoys in the harbor and at least a few old boats.

Paddling back to the beach I enjoyed the expansive view of Monterey Bay and the towns around it.  The water was clear and cold, a light breeze was picking up, a few clouds floated around.  It had been a good day to paddle.

Seals on a rock   

   Sea lions   

Sunset in Monterey