sea lion playtime

Yesterday was the day that we were finally able to go to bird island to swim with the sea lions, to say I was excited is definitely an understatement. The day started off with us actually having to get to the dock first and wait for the divers to get their gear ready, most impatient moments of my life. The ride itself to the island was at least 45 minutes, which actually seemed to take forever. I think at that point we were all pretty eager to get to the island and the sea lions. when we finally got there we had to go through all the precautions of what to expect when swimming with the sea lions and when to keep away and not get to close. By the time it was time to get in our wetsuits I was just itching to get out and in the water. Once we were in the water it took the sea lions just a couple minutes to start swimming around us because they had followed the divers. Although I was very excited to be within touching distance of them, some of my classmates weren't and even got scared enough to climb on to my back and almost drown me (Janeane). Once they got used to the idea of it though they got a little bit better, however, I think Jessica, Lydia, and I were probably the most excited.

I love that the sea lions were not scared at all to get close and personal with everyone. If you stayed still enough they would swim right up to your face and flip at the very last second. I had a big one swim straight to my face and open his/her mouth and that was pretty scary, but other than that I was having the time of my life!

For those who aren't as educated about the sea lions, although they look a lot like seals there are a couple differences. Sea lions have an external ear, whereas seals have an internal ear. Sea lions can also use their back flippers to push themselves up and actually "walk" but seals can't. Sea lions can also hold their breath for up to 40 minutes and can swim up to 25 MPH. I guess its understandable why my classmates would be scared of this huge creature that has the upper hand in the water.

Needless to say it was so very fun but also very tiring.