A Raft of Sea Lions

While I was in California a few weeks ago for the Mount Hermon writers' conference, I took a side trip to Santa Cruz. I've loved going there since I was a kid to watch the sea lions around and beneath the pier. What I saw this year, though, was completely new.

Rather than floating about around and beneath the pier, the sea lions were gathered in huddles, floating together, some resting their heads on the others as they snoozed, some holding up one flipper. And as they floated there, they were barking and calling and having all kinds of fun. I found out later that what they're doing is called "rafting." Appropriate term, huh? They look like a big raft.

It was so neat to watch, to see these animals I've loved watching all my life in a new way. And as I watched, as I studied their peaceful demeanor and relaxed manners, as I saw how they held each other up, I started realizing a few things.

Which I'll share in the next post. So stay tuned!

Peace--

Karen