Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Where are the whales? Traveling through time...

The weekend before Halloween we traveled up the coast to see Tom Waits play at a benefit festival for Neil Young's beloved Bridge School. I can't believe it was the first time we'd ever attended, especially since this was the 27th time they've done it. Oh well, I guess it took Tom Waits to get us there. But seeing Neil Young play again (not to mention Elvis Costello) was pretty great too. And we got to visit the Monterey Aquarium as well (also known as the Cetacean Institute, home to George and Gracie, in Star Trek IV), something I hadn't done since the last time they had a great white living there several years ago. This time they had a major display of jellyfish instead (many of which were apparently bred at the aquarium) so get ready for lots of ethereal photos...

Sun fish are among the oddest and most interesting critters around. It's amazing to see them here in such a huge space. Absolutely awe inspiring, in fact.

 

Yeah, I know. Every aquarium has moray eels. But that doesn't mean that they aren't interesting and a little bit scary. Just look at those cold blue eyes!

Supposedly the Monterey Aquarium will have a cephalopod exhibit to rival the jellies next spring. I might have to schedule a field trip that doesn't involve a comic book convention then...