Tag Archives: Noel Olson

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Low tides are an invitation to take a tide pool walk. Noel Olson and her sons, Julian and Chase did just that recently, and they found something very interesting, several Hopkins’ Rose Nudibranchs. Noel wrote, “Today we spotted these two beauties in The Sea Ranch! My sons carefully held them [underwater] for scale."

Hopkins' Rose Nudibranchs by Noel Olson

 

What is interesting about the nudibranchs the Olsons found is these pink, spiky, one-inch long sea slugs are usually found off of Southern California; they prefer warmer waters. The last time they were found this far north was during the strong El Nino that brought heavy rains in 1997-1998.

Thanks to Noel for allowing me to share her photo with you here.

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Mark Simkins and Kitty Wolfe were at The Sea Ranch when they saw this at low tide - thousand of mussels.

Low Tide at Shell Beach - thousands of Mussels by Mark Simkins

Other creatures to look for are Sea Urchins. Craig Tooley took this photo.

Sea Urchins by Craig Tooley

And Sea Stars, this one photographed by Noel Olson. It is an Ochre Sea Star.

Summer Cheerleader - an Ochre Sea Star by Noel Olson

Thanks to Mark, Craig, and Noel for allowing me to share their photos with you here. Tide pooling is a Coast tradition.

To see much more of Craig's nature photography, here is the link to his website: www.ruffimage.com.

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When the Pacific Ocean works itself into a frenzy, strange things can happen. Noel Olson and her son found an Octopus tossed up onto the beach. It was alive and Noel's son got it back in the water. This first photo is what the octopus looked like when it got back in the water. It changed its color to match the coral and rocks.

 Below is what it looked like out of the water, a yellow-beige.

Hooray to Noel and her son for saving this Octopus! And thanks to Noel for allowing me to share her photos with you here.

There are dark clouds over the ocean and perhaps we will get some much-needed rain. The wind has picked up too after many days of calm weather. Do your rain dance!