Elephant Seals and Wine Tasting

We started our day visiting the elephant seal rookery off the coast near San Simeon. These incredible creatures have been along this shoreline since at least the 1700s. By 1846, their population had dwindled to an estimated 50 individuals due to hunting, primarily for their blubber. Fortunately, thanks to Mexico’s protection efforts and the invention of kerosene—which reduced the need for blubber oil—the population began to recover. Today, there are estimated to be around 225,000 elephant seals spread along the coast between Alaska and San Simeon.

The weather was cloudy and a little chilly, maybe around 65 degrees. The seals weren’t sunbathing as they often do; instead, they were all huddled together onshore, trying to stay warm. One seal off to the side looked like he gave us a little wave—whether he meant to or not, it was such a beautiful sight to see.

Afterward, we continued driving along the California coast, surrounded by vineyards. Of course, being in wine country, we had to stop and do a tasting. We visited a winery called Locatelli Winery—a perfect name, since all their wine is made and sold locally. Tastings were $20 per person, and we tried seven different wines. They definitely seemed to get sweeter as we went—maybe we were just getting used to them, or maybe they really did become sweeter as the tasting progressed!

I picked up a bottle for Andy, who had surgery today after tearing his bicep while on vacation in Jamaica. The wine we chose was supposed to pair perfectly with cheesecake, and since Andy makes the best cheesecakes, it only felt right to get him a bottle. Janet and I went in on it together as a little thank-you for all the times he’s shared his cheesecakes with us.

At the winery, a woman was running the tasting room, and her daughter—probably around six years old—was helping in her own sweet way. When I walked in, I noticed a tiny blue duck, and Janet found a pink one. It turns out the little girl hides ducks all around the winery. Her mom told us she has a tough time at school, so she uses the ducks as a fun incentive to get her through the day. I told her she should come to my school—we do the same thing! Janet makes little resin animals for me, and the kids just love finding them. They’ll build little habitats for their new resin pets—whether it's a duck or a turtle, it doesn’t matter. It was such a sweet connection, seeing that little girl hiding her ducks just like we do.

All in all, it was one of those days that fills your heart—wildlife, wine, kind people, and small joys.