Crystal Cove‘s tide pools fill with surprises twice daily as the sea retreats. As the water wanes, citizens of the sea become tenants of the Cove. Some race for crevices, others adhere to rock faces, sidling low to access what moisture remains.
Crabs posture and take positions. A rock louse does a creepy crawl.
The mossy chiton, however, is more measured in its movement. It does not scurry. Lacking eyes and tentacles, its reaction time is slow, sensed through light sensitive organs in its shell. It scrapes algae from rocks with a rasping strap of a tongue and relocates in the dark at high tide.
More on Crystal Cove State Park (California)
Crystal Cove State Park Map and Visitor Information
Crystal Cove State Park; Irvine, California3 miles of Pacific coastline with underwater park plus 2300 acres of bluffs and wooded canyons!Hiking, biking (single track mountain & dirt road), fishing, kayaking, surfing, and “tidepooling”!Directions: Just off of the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy1) between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. Easy access via I-5, 405 & 73.Admission: Daily State Park Fee (good at multiple state parks on same day): $10 / Annual Pass: $125Weather Conditions: 949-494-3539Historic District Cottage RentalsPark WebsiteView Crystal Cove in a larger map
I always can discover a lot of wonder during low tide period, though not those you have seen.
But to see all these, I have to travel a long way. The seasides nearby are either polluted or have been reclaimed for development.
You really make a great job of your blog. The photos are very interesting, clear and on unusual subjects, with enough explanation to make them even more intriguing.
FULL MARKS.
Rainfield: That’s such a shame that your area beaches are polluted or inaccessible. Your jungle looks so lush and fresh, it’s hard to believe that nearby areas haven’t been treated as well. Hopefully, that will change for the better.
Donald: Thank you very much. This world has a whole lot of “interesting”, doesn’t it?!
I’m playing catch-up after my trip to Peru.
These images are rich and evocative. I wish it were summer here so I could walk the shoreline but that will have to wait until the weather settles.
And do we love bugs..lol
Suzanne: I’m looking forward to your Peru posts! Coincidentally, my next door neighbors were just there also.
Yes, we’re in summer “beach” mode here. Although, back here in Ohio, we’re experiencing unusually cool temperatures. So much for global warming!
mee mOe: They do have a bug-like look to them, but they’re verified crustaceans! Honest! Fortunately, they don’t move any faster than the average beachcomber…
I visit my mother-in-law in Irvine. Next time, I’m going to Crystal Cove. By the way, if Ohio is too cool for you, come on down to Tucson this weekend. It’s only going to be 112 F.
It’s cool how you ’see’ things like this. Most would never notice the details like that when at a vacation spot – or in our own town for that matter.
Heather such awesome colors, especially the gold and turquoise! Excellent photos!
Very interesting and nice post, Heather! I know, it’s longtime since I have visited your blog – sorry for that! Traveling is very time consuming for me, but beautiful! Thanks for your visits to my blog, very much appreciated.
Susanne
Wonderful disclosure of a Nature’s miracle. Thanks for sharing.
Donna: 112 degrees would test the best of us! We had temperatures in the 100s when we hiked southern Utah last summer, but we could at least walk in rivers and streams most of the time!
I think you’d enjoy Crystal Cove. There are a miles of coastal trails there too.
Thanks Brian. Finding what is unique about where you are -wherever that happens to be- keeps life interesting, and I’m all about that!
Sadia: Thanks! That’s a high compliment coming from an artist of your talents and abilities.
Thanks for the visit Susanne. I think it’s wonderful you’ve been able to travel (and photograph!) the country these past few months. ~Sounds like a very fulfilling sort of adventure!
Thank YOU, Ram, for visiting “Footsteps”.
You must have had so much fun watching the cove populate with these beautiful creatures. How lovely, Heather.
Hugs, JJ
Hi ya JJ! You’d have fit right in on that beach, JJ. I know what an appreciation you have for the outdoors and nature. ~Loved your Presque Isle River photo, so artistic!
Those “water insects” look very dangerous
Paphos Travel: They’re fun to observe and photograph, but I wouldn’t want to touch one!