July 4, 2013

The first week of July 2013 has been the historically hottest week and the temprature of the bay area was close to 100 degrees. On July 4th, my hubby and I had a day trip to Moss Landing to celebrate the independence day.  As soon as we entered Santa Cruz county, we felt the cold breeze right away.  The outside temperature was 62 while it was in the high 80th when we left home half an hour ago.  Microclimate is so obvious here in the bay area...

We booked a sea kayak at Kayak Connection; our plan was to kayak 4 hours at Elkhorn slough to watch sea animals.  See link below for more details about Elkhorn Slough:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elkhorn_Slough


The day was so beautiful...


Sun bathing sea otters / sea lions along the water:


Watched us with curiosity:


A friendly sea lion swam along our side:

Sea otters, sea lions, and American pelicans shared the territory:


I didn't realize the mouth of pelicans is so big... 


Another picture from a different angle:


Sea otters are sooo cute...


Mom and son:


another one: I think, he was eating a clam:


I was amused to watch him openning the shell:


Delicious...


Take a break before continue:


I am full..  It was a nice one:


What shall I do next?  take a nap?


Or, can you give me a free ride back home?



There is a famous seafood restaurant in Moss Landing: Phil's Fish Market and Eatery.  See link below for more details:
http://www.philsfishmarket.com

Per the article, Phil's Fish Market is #1 on BBC's Travel section: World’s best beach restaurants. 

A quart of Clam Chowder: 


Steam mussels:


The most famous dish: Cioppino：
It was a great day trip and a pleasant holiday.  Happy 4th of July!!!