April 28 - Fish Dreams and Yogic Breathing

The weather was iffy (little bit of wind) and the pressure was going down -- all indications that perhaps a system was moving in. However the sun was out and I decided to pack a small lunch and some hot coffee and make a solo hike back to the Cove of Eden (officially call Kristy's Cove) over   on Bonaparte Point. Left at 11:30- got back around 2 PM.  Actually the weather held up and I got some great views of wildlife.

Seemed liked siesta time on Baonaparte.. Every seal I came across (except for some juveniles Elephants seals in the water) was in deep slumber. This was nice because they were least bothered by me and I was able to get closer than usual and just observe them in silence without disturbing them.

Got to Kristy Cove and found a nice spot among the rocks; had my lunch and then just spent a divine 45 minutes observing and clicking away.

Unlike our previous visit, I found many fur seals on Bonaparte point. Fur seals generally stake out solitary spots among the rocks and chill out there for many hours before returning back to the sea. They are very jumpy and get really upset and start barking if you happen to get too close.  However these guys chilling our on the beach did not give me a second look.

Found this fur seal on the snow "beach" around Kristy's cove trying to bundle itself into a nice compact ball of fur. Nice to be able to carry your own little sleeping bag with you!

 The cove off course had its pod of elephant seals and I got some great views of them.

 Fish Dreams! Found this one male dozing off and I could swear that it was dreaming of something -- seems to move and shuffle and snort every one in a while. E. seals apparently dive down over 1000m and hunt for squid, rays, skates and small sharks. No wonder they need their rest when they come back up.

Yogic Breathing! Noticed that this large male was only breathing through its left nostril for a long time. Perhaps the seals know the advantage of alternate nostril breathing (Nadisuddhi prāṇāyāma)?

Found this cute juvenile who was trying to "kill" a piece of kelp. These youngsters are constantly exploring,  fussing and fighting. Many (like this one) have quite significant wounds from these fights.

This young one got into the little ice cave at the end of Kristy Cove and was trying to reach up and eat the snow. Hilarious!

Finish with a little movie titled "Itching and Sliding"