Avert your eyes ……

Back in the days of lockdown, we walked to Angel Bay - the 7.5 mile return trip being the extreme range of my current walking ability. With restrictions long since lifted, we can now drive up to the country park leading to this gorgeous place - hence it has become a relaxing walk rather than an endurance test. 

I think I’ve blipped these seals twice previously - in January and March. At that time, the beach was full of seals, lolling lazily about, the autumn’s pups growing ever fatter and more independent. Now there are just two beached on the sand, the others in the water or the rocks, and numbering in total less than 12. It’s the advance guard and more will follow. 

Of course, it is the start of the new pupping season, the cows returning to give birth. I just love watching seals - sitting on the rocks above the bay just gazing meditatively at the clear waters below where seals and cormorants are in their element. 

There’s apparently a fair amount of enthusiastic ‘greeting’ going on - they seem genuinely glad to see each other, smiling, stroking faces, and ……..surely they’re not actually kissing? But there again, those two at the back are bellowing and baring teeth - not quite so happy! With so many instances of PDA (public displays of affection - in extras), it’s hardly surprising that this rather sensitive soul is averting her eyes!