Elephant seals on California coast bring larger than life charm on a road trip

Hundreds of elephant seals -- once nearly extinct -- swim in a few weeks each year to breed on central California's coast. It's a phenomenon worthy of a stop for wildlife lovers worldwide.

WONDROUS SIGHT: Elephant seals on California coast LAZE, SHOW THEIR STUFF TO DELIGHT OF TOURISTS

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Along the windswept coastline near San Simeon, a truly wild experience awaits at the famed Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Here, hundreds -- sometimes thousands -- of northern elephant seals sprawl across the sand, their enormous bodies rising and falling as waves crash nearby. During peak seasons, the beach comes alive with the deep, echoing calls of dominant males, the watchful presence of mothers and pups, and the ever-changing drama of survival. It’s a rare chance to stand just steps away from one of nature’s most fascinating gatherings, where the power and vulnerability of wildlife unfold in real time.

From a walkway far above their habitat, tourists from all over the globe observe the elephant seal habitat below.

Volunteers have helped save the elephant seal and create a lovely display with informative posters.

NEARLY EXTINCT at one time, the elephant seal is making a whale of a comeback.

Female elephant seals on California coast far outnumber the more elusive males.

As the seals surrender to dusk, a lovely sunset caps the day near San Simeon.

There's something wonderfully joyous about gazing down at the beach to behold them stretched out on the sand.

Finding elephant seals on the California Coast means you're watching a  rare sight: a veritable bounty of elephant seals at rest and play, a sight seen in few places on the planet. They groom themselves, snuggle and snooze.  You hear their calls, watch them romp and tend their young, and revel in the miracle of their existence.

These beautiful creatures were nearly destroyed by man, but they're making an elephantine (pardon the pun) comeback.  By the way, they take their name not from their gigantic size but from their trunk-like inflatable snouts.

We'd driven many times past the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery, but didn't stop until recently, while staying at our favorite Cavalier Motel overnight stop in San Simeon.

 SUE, THE FRIENDLY hotel check-in clerk, told us the elephant seals were "in" -- big news, because they spend between eight and 10 months of the year in the waters.  We drove north from the motel about 10 or so miles, enjoying California's lovely central coast. When we came upon a couple dozen cars, we knew we'd arrived at the viewing area, which spreads several miles 90 miles south of Monterey.

Spectacular view from Cavalier Oceanfront Resort balcony suite, a quick drive to the elep[hant seals.

IF YOU'RE planning to visit Hearst Castle State Historical Monument in San Simeon, this is just a stone's throw, worth staying another half-day.  It's just over a mile south of Point Piedras Blancas. Viewing is open daily, wheelchair accessible, and free. We watched these beautiful creatures with families, campers and city folk -- an international crowd enjoying the seals at close range. The place is above sea and fenced off, to keep the insensitive from wandering too close. Spectacular way to spend a couple hours. Check to make sure they're "in" at California State Parks, or Friends of the Elephant Seal:  fes@elephantseal.org

Inn by the Lake in Lake Tahoe offers warm hospitality, pleasant views, nearby attractions.

 UP NEXT: Lake Tahoe beckons, with a pet-friendly motel that offers a great cup of coffee and old-fashioned service. Then a cruise on the lake offers dancing, romancing, spectacular scenery and fine fare. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us each Friday when we post for the weekend.

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