Took time off yesterday from sculpting for an amazing visit with my best friend Curtis and his 2 sons. They came over for breakfast - I made scrambled eggs and bacon - then we went to Westward Beach so the boys, who live in Aspen, could get some ocean time.
While they swam, Curtis & I sat on the sand and caught up. As we were talking, this baby seal nonchalantly came out of the water and hunkered down real close to where we were sitting. It plopped down and just looked at us. There was a lifeguard in his truck a ways down on the beach so I ran and got him, thinking he could call animal rescue. Of course, as soon as he pulled up in his truck, the seal decided to go back in the water. The lifeguard, Bill (an ex-fireman, so you know how handsome he was) told us the baby was most likely separated from its mom and hadn't yet learned how to get enough fish, so it was probably tired as a result. Bill said he usually calls in rescues 4-6 times a day this time of year. It was amazing to be that close to that silky creature with no fences or barriers between us. We all sent her a little blessing that she will become a great fish catcher.
We went back to continue our chat when Curtis spotted a whale in the distance, at the actual point of Point Dume, swimming with most of his back above water at what looked like 100 MPH! I thought it was a boat until when it was just about in front of us (all the people on the beach now looking and pointing) and dove under the water, surfaced back up for a second then went back down. First a seal and then a whale...What a thrill! Having lived in Malibu now for 19 years, I am sad to say I have only seen 4 whale sightings. I have hope for lots more though as I remember when Lou & I first moved here, there were only a few brown pelicans. Now there are hundreds. I wish you all could have shared this incredible visit.
