(c) 2010 Lydia Hinshaw
View from Cape Perpetua
Sea lions argue in NewportNEWPORT, OR -- After a couple of days of scenery-stealing fog, the sun finally appeared Saturday afternoon. We took advantage of the opportunity to do an old favorite hike to the top of Cape Perpetua, near the small town of Yachats. The view is to the south, and shows the road we had traveled to get here.
Later, in Newport, we visited the California sea lions who congregate on a local dock in the fall and winter. An interpretive sign explains that these animals are all male -- their mates remain in California all winter, and with good reason. A crowd of male sea lions is a raucous and contentious bunch.
Here in Newport, the bigger guys have claimed all the good sleeping spots, sunning themselves on the dock. The younger fellows are stuck swimming in the chilly water. Periodically, a youngster will try to heave himself into the pile, but he rarely succeeds.
As in this photo, the sea lions already in place protest loudly and resort to violence if necessary.
A few years ago when we were here, two sea lions got into a fight over a spot on the dock and one bit the other hard enough to draw blood.
There was no bloodshed Saturday, just the usual noisy arguing in front of the usual delighted spectators.
Sunday morning, though, the fog was back, and we decided to turn east in search of better weather.
Later, in Newport, we visited the California sea lions who congregate on a local dock in the fall and winter. An interpretive sign explains that these animals are all male -- their mates remain in California all winter, and with good reason. A crowd of male sea lions is a raucous and contentious bunch.
Here in Newport, the bigger guys have claimed all the good sleeping spots, sunning themselves on the dock. The younger fellows are stuck swimming in the chilly water. Periodically, a youngster will try to heave himself into the pile, but he rarely succeeds.
As in this photo, the sea lions already in place protest loudly and resort to violence if necessary.
A few years ago when we were here, two sea lions got into a fight over a spot on the dock and one bit the other hard enough to draw blood.
There was no bloodshed Saturday, just the usual noisy arguing in front of the usual delighted spectators.
Sunday morning, though, the fog was back, and we decided to turn east in search of better weather.
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