Simpson Reef

So today we headed up the highway from where we are staying to check out the Simpson Reef.  We have visited this area before but it has always at the end of trip so we can never spend much time.  I remember the first time we visited this area, we had driven to it just before sunset and we stopped at the Simpson Reef viewpoint. We got out to see the reef and all we could hear was this barking, Len and I both looked around to see where the dog was but realized it was the sea lions.  We looked out and there were hundreds of sea lions laying out on the shore.  

This is the largest accumulation of pinnipeds on the west coast. There are California sea lions, Stellar sea lions, harbour seals and elephant seals.  This is the perfect location for them, the reef consists of a intertidal area, kelp forest and numerous small rocks and inlets. It is a major  migratory, resting and breeding area for all four species. This is also a great place to observe the grey whales when they migrate in the spring and fall. 

You could basically stand here all day with a pair of binoculars and be entertained all day just watching the dynamics of the animals.