Paso Robles

On our way to Cambria we stopped by a couple of wineries. 

Here is a cool looking castle with a moat.

Another one had a grouping of trees arranged in the shape of a heart,

rooted on a  hill, overlooking a vineyard. Very cool looking.

Love the look of vineyards of rolling hills.  We need to go

back and take pictures of when the vineyards are not dry.

Preston and Stephen enjoying the car ride.

We were fortunate to visit in January and witness the birthing

time of the California Sea Lions. 

The number of California Sea Lion pups born

 each year has tripled since 1975.

California sea lion males are larger then females.  Males

may weigh up to 1,000 pounds and trample over the 

the pups, luckily the pups are usually unhurt.  

The sea lions fan sand over their bodies to keep cool.

California sea lion males bark like a dog to communicate with

other males and females.  Females and pups communicate using

vocalizations that are unique to the female and pup. Each pup and 

female have a unique scent that also identifies them among

 hundreds of physically identical pups.

There were hundreds of sea lions on the shore and 

hundreds more in the water.

The kids enjoyed watching them.

We enjoyed great views and great weather.

California sea lions nurse their pups for 1-2 days and then leave the

pup ashore while they travel to feeding areas at sea.  They spend 2-5

days feeding and then return to nurse the pup.  Females continue 

this pattern of going off to sea for several days and nursing ashore 

 until they wean their pup. They nurse their pup for almost a year. 

We always enjoy spending time with Soraya,

Tom and the boys.

After watching the sea lions we headed to Cambria for lunch.

This was a mural next to the parking lot where we parked.

Victoria wanting to go for a ride. 

We got to enjoy the patio...

which was good because the boys were able to run around.

They had lots of fun.

Stopping to smell the flowers.

Precious!

We ended this great day with a fabulous dessert.