Magical Monterey

While in Monterey, CA for a work conference I had the pleasure of an afternoon stroll exploring Cannery Row and the fabulous Monterey Bay Aquarium!  I haven’t been to Monterey since I was a little girl and haven’t actually had the opportunity to get intimate with much marine life since I was living in Ecuador. I was craving it and was (as usual) completely inspired and energized by the whole experience.  I had such a great time playing with my camera at the Aquarium.  Obviously a little darker inside many of the exhibits, I got some good practice shooting on a high ISO.  The quality of the photos actually lessens as the ISO getter larger, but it makes for a more vintage effect and I was mainly playing with the color quality, which improved over the hours I spent engaged in the underwater world.  Typical, I spent most of my time entranced by the graceful jellyfish and alien seahorses.  I was unable to get a shot of the Giant Pacific Octo, but hands down this was my favorite experience of the entire day.  I sat mesmerized watching the magical creature move around her habitat, shape-shifting through the cracks and crevaces while acting a kaleidoscope as she glided along.  The walk along Cannery Row was also a special one.  The history is rich, views spectacular, and in combination with the sun, quaint beaches, intoxicating food aromas, and sounds of the seagulls and people-chatter, I was elated to be experiencing this magical place.