There I was. One hundred feet away. Standing between me and such a creature of mystery, was the ever violent beauty of a high tide surf. My lens was focused and it’s eyes were clearly curious. What was more powerful to me, was the fact that we were clearly acknowledging each other. Aware of the presence of one another.
It was perfect beach therapy.
I never thought I would be lucky enough to see a sea lion for real. Actually I wasn’t even sure it was a sea lion. It might have been a seal. I don’t know for sure. All I know is I never thought I’d see one in the wild. I had seen them in captivity. In aquariums and zoos, but never in the wild.
It felt like a once in a life time moment.
They are beautiful and quiet creatures. The wallflowers of the ocean. Not party animals like the otters, and not antisocial like the fish. Creatures that knew their beauty, and did not need the attention. Humble creatures. Going about survival with a deep and gentle grace. Fishing. Sunbathing. Playing in the sea foam. Living simply.
Oh how I wished I could be a mermaid among them.
