Central Coast

Central Coast

Photo of McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

I stopped for a bit in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park in Big Sur, to make the short walk to McWay Falls. I walked over to the bluff you see above and to the right of the falls, the one with the trees overlooking the ocean. There is a small…

Phil CollaFebruary 11, 2008

Central Coast

Photos of Piedras Blancas Lighthouse

The Piedras Blancas lighthouse, which sits on BLM land just north of San Simeon and Hearst Castle in central California, originally stood 115 feet tall when it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two coastline "tall-style" lighthouses on the California coast, the other being at Point Arena.…

Phil CollaFebruary 10, 2008

California Morro Bay

Photo of Sea Otter Mother and Pup

On my way back down the coast from Big Sur I made a stop in Morro Bay for a bite, and to take a quick look in the harbor for interesting fishing boats, birds or otters. I didn't see any good birds, and the light was overcast which made for…

Phil CollaFebruary 9, 2008

California Elephant Seal Wildlife

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seals

We have been visiting the Piedras Blancas rookery of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) since early 1991, when it was newly colonized by animals from the San Miguel, San Nicholas and Ano Nuevo rookeries, and have watched it grow to its current size. We have had the good fortune to…

Phil CollaMarch 1, 2006

Central Coast Surf

Mavericks Surf Contest 2006

The Mavericks Surf Contest 2006 photos are now online. I shot the 2006 running of the Mavericks Surf Contest, held February 7, 2006 at Half Moon Bay, California. The event went off very well, with great organization, beautiful weather and near perfect waves. The Mavericks Surf Contest is about big…

Phil CollaFebruary 7, 2006

California

Recent California Snaps

A few recent images. Click on any one to see others that are related. Beach cliffs at Torrey Pines State Reserve: Sandstone cliffs rise above the beach at Torrey Pines State Reserve.Image ID: 14725Location: Torrey Pines State Reserve, San Diego, California, USA Broken Hill at Torrey Pines State Reserve: Broken…

Phil CollaJanuary 5, 2006

California Central Coast Elephant Seal

Newborn Northern Elephant Seal, Central California

Mother and newborn pup Northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris, central California coast. This newborn pup had just been born minutes before this photo was taken. Placental material, seen in the background, has attracted sea gulls who will consume it. The pup will be weaned surprisingly fast, in as little 2-3…

Phil CollaFebruary 8, 2005