I finished the Ushya scarf before heading off to San Simeon Monday. Inevitably, the weather, while pleasantly cool, wasn't nearly cold enough to allow the wearing of such a heavy scarf.

All week, except for a cold and foggy Monday afternoon, the sky and sea were heartbreakingly blue. The adult male elephant seals were arriving in force, their bulk displaying their power, their hopes and ambitions for the upcoming breeding season. Some floated just offshore, bellowing in their tympanic voices, "I'm here, and I'm ready to fight." I bawled like a baby when I said, "Goodbye."

I'm going to miss the seals, and I'm going to miss my colleagues in Friends of the Elephant Seal.