A few snaps.

Years after he put up the money for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, David Packard remarked to the effect that “Had I known how successful it would become, I would have made it a for profit business!” The entrance fees attest to the profitability, yet my annual visit with my son (who, in fairness, is more focused on the Ghirardelli ice cream sundae he enjoys afterwards) always results in a lot of fun and a few snaps.

A keen blacksmith (can you attribute any detectable, comparable skills to the dipstick CEOs who have destroyed the once great Hewlett-Packard since?), David Packard made part of the machinery in his home forge for the wave machine in the kelp forest. Children delight in standing under the glass, thrilled by the ‘whoosh’ of the water every few seconds.

Watching the sea otters is always a favorite:

The real thing can be found in the wild feet away, but is far harder to spot. The fellows in the Aquarium have it made, by comparison. Three square a day and only gawping tourists to contend with.

This pair was belting out some Christmas tunes, right before the cops moved them on. Interesting case of church and state.

Panny GX7 with the 17mm and 45mm Zuiko lenses.