One Day Chance to Mingle With Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo

The State Park is calling it "Seal Adventure Saturday" and for photographers or nature lovers it's a dream come true.

For $50 they will have all morning or afternoon access to the giant seals during their mating rituals. Normally, visitors are shuffled off pretty quickly to accomodate the large numbers of people who want to see them. This is a chance to hang out all you want.

"Participants will begin their adventure with a 1.5 mile walk over bluff trails and rolling sand dunes to the elephant seal viewing area," according to the Parks press release. "On the way they will be able to enjoy views of the ocean and Año Nuevo Island, observe birds and other wildlife, and hear the guttural sound of the elephant seals in the distance.
 
"Arriving at the viewing area, they will have a memorable experience surveying the beach crowded with hundreds and hundreds of elephant seals—the males sparring among themselves and females giving birth and nursing their newly born pups. Volunteer naturalists and park staff will be available to direct you to the best viewing areas, where you can observe the elephant seals for as long as you like during your viewing time period, as well as answer questions about the seals and the park."

It's rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Umbrellas and baby strollers are not allowed.

To get tickets, go to  www.smcnha.org

Here's this year in Half Moon Bay Patch.