In late December, when the steelhead trout were making their run upriver, a morning visitor surprised me. I heard a great splashing. At first, I thought someone was letting a very large dog swim in the river. Then I realized it was a creature much more at home in water.
A sea lion, far from the ocean
If Google—and my eyes and ears—can be trusted, the surprise visitor was a sea lion (not a seal). It and a companion stayed in the area for several weeks, and on some of my morning runs, I could hear barking from a long way off.
Stretching out in the water
I haven’t seen the sea lion for the last couple of weeks, but the times I spotted it swimming in the river filled me with joy and delight.
Have you encountered any unexpected visitors lately? I hope they brought you joy.
The Flourishing Tree 
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Wow!
I couldn’t help share your post on my Facebook page! It is so crazy to see a sea lion in the river!!! Thanks for sharing, Hope!
I’m so glad you shared the post. It’s better to experience these wonders together. 🙂
WOW!! What an amazing sighting!! You are so lucky…I’d love to see something like that pop by our rivers! = ) = ) = ) Otters, although adorable, just don’t hold the same thrill as a sea lion! = )
The otters here are wonderful, and I don’t take seeing them for granted. But it has really been thrilling to see the sea lion.