Finding Marshall

             
This is life around here.

                               
Until it's time for another field trip.  There’s a Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center up the road in Laguna Beach.  That seemed like it would be worth a look.  Of course, we got there and the kids were immediately entertained by the colorful rocks in the landscaping.

Admittedly they were really pretty.

Eventually we (Mom and I) convinced the kids to head over and see what all the noisy barking was about.  Yep, sea lions.  They can also host various types of seals and dolpins, as necessary, but the current crop was solidly sea lions.


There were several different enclosures where the animals were grouped based on health.  The cage closest to the viewing area contained those who were nearly ready to be released back into the ocean.  A couple of very friendly volunteers were on hand to answer questions.

The kids enjoyed observing feeding time.

It’s very rare for us to purchase souvenirs of any sort, but there was no admission here and they collected donations at the souvenir cart, so we ended up with a stuffed sea lion.  It was immediately christened “Marshall” after one of the sea lions we had heard the volunteers talking about.  I have to say, Marshall has been well-loved around here; he still frequently winds up in Logan’s bed and/or comes on adventures with us.
  On the way out, literally in the ditch between this place and the parking lot, we witnessed another round of wildlife feeding time.  This appears to be a Great Blue Heron, not at all a small bird, meaning that the frog was also massive.

                                      
Random shots of Laguna Beach life taken from the car window on the way home.

As soon as we got home, Marshall had to be properly introduced to the rest of the crew.  And now you’ve met Marshall too, congratulations!