CALIFORNIA BEAUTY & THE BEASTS January 9 - 14, 2011 $1,995     Deposit:  $500           Airport:  Santa Barbara, CA

We'll start with the Beauties at Pismo Beach, and we're not talking about surfers.  The sight of thousands of monarch butterflies clustering together is an amazing sight.  It's an unforgettable experience watching these colorful insects take to the air in huge masses as they warm up each morning.  Nothing like spending the day with the sound of butterfly wings in your ears.

The next two nights will be spent listening to the incoming surf just below our hotel. The Beasts are only a short drive away. A little more than a decade ago, the first elephant seal pup was born on this beach. This winter, over 3,000 will be born here. We’ll be able to photograph these huge mammals at point blank range.  We'll still be at a safe distance, but also close enough to feel a part of the rookery.  With so much activity, it can be difficult to know which way to point your lens; mating, battling, caring for their babies, all against one of the most impressive backgrounds on the Pacific Coast.

The last two days will  be spent exploring the enchanting village of Morro Bay, and the variety of photography subjects will certainly keep everyone busy.  This is the furthest south that sea otters can be reliably photographed, and we've had good opportunities on almost every trip.  There will also be lots of shorebirds, grebes, loons and even displaying hummingbirds.  Yes, hummers are nesting here in February and every year we've been able to photograph them from minimum focusing distance.

You’ll be amazed at the variety of subjects and scenes you’ll find to photograph on this tour--everything from humorous wildlife antics to fabulous California sunsets.