Monterey Bay Aquarium FINALLY

 

When I was in 1st grade we studied marine biology in my gifted class. I became obsessed about Monterey Bay Aquarium. I would log onto their website and watch the live cams for hours. I always loved marine life but this was a goal to get to Monterey and see the animals. We arrived in the afternoon and the aquarium was closed but we wandered about on Cannery Row enjoying the sights.

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We saw the Pacific Ocean and even went out for lava cake late at night. YUMMY!

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In the morning we walked from he hotel towards the aquarium and got there a bit early. We wandered past and down the walking trail and saw harbor seals running and playing on the beach.

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There were lots of little pups as this is the time when they are not quite weened from mamas milk.

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We got to the aquarium at 10am and started to explore. Mom was over chatting with some of the volunteers about the webcams I so love. Somehow she talked to the right person and we got to go on a free private tour of the jellyfish store closet. It was huge, we only got to go in a bit but it was awesome. We got to see how ig the tanks really are, not just what you see framed out on the other side.

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We saw jellyfish species not on display for the public to see.

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We saw the moon jelly fish tank where they have thousands of baby moon jellies.

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When we finished we walked in the public area and checked out the tanks from the front.

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I loved the recycled plastic creations.

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I enjoyed the overlooks on the Pacific Ocean and looking out into the water.

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We got to see the feeding at the Open Ocean display. The tuna were HUGE!

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More jellies!

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The touch tanks were better than anything I have seen before. I made pals with all the mine women docents. I think most kids touch and run and we stayed and talked and asked questions.

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The aquarium was everything I wanted and more. I did go through that let down of looking forward to something for so long and it finally being done. Tired, exhausted but HAPPY!

 

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