Gentle Friends, the tour continues upstairs at the touch pools...
... in the children's area are large "touch pools" and there are good and bad comments on the internet about these - however I think that getting small children and even some adults interested in the conservation of our oceans and seeing up close sea life far outweighs anything negative...
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In addition to the open oceans, the Aquarium also has exhibits about the ecosystems of California...
... the Coastal Steam is one of those systems... they connect the redwoods to the sea creating green corridors through a dry land. The rocks and roots form deep pools, where fishes like trout and salmon thrive. Above these deep pools are lush green banks sheltering many creatures.
... in addition to the steelhead and salmon, they have an exhibit of...
... the California Toad!! Who knew we had a toad !! They live in coastal streams and ponds. With the destruction of these streams and habitats throughout the state these once very prolific toads are quickly disappearing...
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We climbed up to the very top of the aquarium to see what we could see and found something very interesting...
... the open top to the large kelp forest tanks... and even there the didactic information continues...
... I love that they continuously explain and teach here.....
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... here's a shot of the open side of the aquarium from the Bay at the mezzanine level...
... looking down from the top at the same spot...
In fact the entire day it was really just a beautiful day ... it was nice and breezy, sunny and just lovely..... this time of year was just perfect as the crowds were very small and movement through the institution was easy and slow...
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... going back inside I ran up against this great exhibit in the children's area...
.... and here's the information presentation for the younger crowd...
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The Aquarium is actually in multiple buildings and connected by overhead bridges and gangways...
...here's our friend the gray whale from Part I up close...
... and looking him in the eye and barnacle...
... and I turned around and look who was posing with the killer whale...
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That wraps up part II. Thanks for stopping by, I'll pick up the narrative next week.
Have a super weekend!!
Take care,
edgar
What an awesome place. Thanks for letting us tag along on your latest adventures. That is a great shot of Rico. Looks like ya'll had a great day. Happy Weekend. :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both posts of your adventure to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Edgar. What an enjoyable day you had!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this must be a very popular place for families to visit and learn.
ReplyDeleteHow nice! Looking forward to the next installment. Thanks Edgar!
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting and instructive environment that is... thank you for
ReplyDeletegiving us a tour not available in land-locked areas. What a lovely day
you and Rico had and graciously share.
Dearest Edgar: What a fun day trip, thank-you for sharing this wonderful day with us and the information.
ReplyDeleteRico is so cute.
Blessings
Catherine
That looks like a wonderful place to visit!
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