A few weeks ago, Chris and I met Sam and Chris in Long Beach at the aquarium for a day of sea-creature viewing. (Here’s Sam’s account of our trip, and here’s Chris’.)
What a fantastic day! The Aquarium of the Pacific looked small, but was surprisingly nice. The tanks were clean, the glass clear. Lots of great photography options, even with my crappy point-and-shoot camera! And, just as Sam says in her entry, I had forgotten how much fun it is to take pictures when someone else is just as obsessive as you are. We’re both willing to crouch in front of tank for 15 minutes or more trying to get just the right shot. I wish we lived closer to each other — but then, I say that every time I see Sam and Chris.
One of the most amazing creatures in the world is the leafy water dragon. The aquarium had a number of different species. I’m not sure why, but these animals make me cry. There’s something about their alien beauty that profoundly astonishes me. I took so many pictures, but I couldn’t capture their magic.
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| From 2009 Photobook |
This little hermit crab just kept posing for me. Can you believe those colors? I love his little antennas — they look like little pennants to me.
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| From 2009 Photobook |
I couldn’t resist this dead coral, still so beautiful:
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| From 2009 Photobook |
There are a few more pictures in my 2009 Photobook if you’re interested. I took over 200 in all, though most of them are blurry. The next time Sam and I get together, you can be sure I’ll be bringing my good camera, comfortable shoes, and an extra memory card. What a fabulous day!
I went here as part of my birthday weekend celebration last month! Next year for my birthday I'm planning to do their otter experience program. (This year I did go to the aquarium, but visited meerkats as my "hands-on" portion of my celebration.) :-)
My only, relatively minor complaint was that the aquarium wasn't well sign-posted, especially outside. Luckily it's small so you can't get too lost, though!
Dayle: There were meerkats? Did we miss the meerkats or did I just forget that part?
Jenn: It was great to see you too! Don't forget to bring the extra battery next time too!