Re: [Paddlewise] sea lions

   Here in sunny Newport Beach there are a number of sea lions which 
routinely hang out on and about the bell buoy at the mouth of the harbor. 
This is a popular destination for kayakers and boaters to go get a close up 
look at the critters. We will sometimes paddle to within a couple of feet of 
the animals and they usually show very little concern. Of course this group 
is used to getting a lot of visitors.
   On another note, I was out fishing in my kayak a number of years ago and 
had caught a nice size Bonito, which I was carrying on my deck. As I head 
back into the harbor a sea lion approached and tied to climb up onto my boat 
to get the fish. I actually had to fend him off with my paddle. As this is 
not typical behavior for these sea lions I figured this particular animal 
must have been really hungry for whatever reason, and probably needed the 
fish a lot more then I did. So once I dissuaded it from boarding my boat I 
tossed it the fish. I swear I could see gratitude in it's eyes :-)

Scott
So.Cal.
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