WC wants to make a moment to praise the joys of tide pooling. At low tide, peering into the rocky pools along the Pacific Coast is about as much fun as any would-be naturalist can have without getting into trouble with law enforcement.
The sheer density of life in the hyper-oxygenated pools and rocks never fails to astonish. The plants and animals cling to rocks with an amazing tenacity.
In the more protected pools, life is crammed in so tightly that it almost defies description.
What makes the amazing fecundity even more impressive is the harshness of this environment. Exposed to baking hot sunlight for hours, and pounded the crushing waves, life doesn’t just survive but prospers in the environment for which it has evolved.
And, if you look closely enough, there is treasure to be found.
It’s a wonderful place to visit. You can be a little kid again, or relive college marine biology courses. Or just enjoy again the sounds, scents and sights of a rocky shore line at low tide. WC asks that you tread gently, walking only on rock and not the packed life. And beware of rogue waves: there’s a lot of Pacific Ocean and it throws up surprises all the time.
Enjoy!
Wickersham's Conscience 
Great shots! I’m envious. My wife introduced me to tidepooling early in our marriage, and after 21 years of living in the Seacoast region of New Hampshire, we’ve relocated to Downeast Maine. Can’t wait to explore the intertidal zone here, but it can be treacherous — the tide varies from 15 to 25 feet, depending on the moon cycle. Now, to head out to watch the alewives migrate upstream … and all of the eagles and osprey chasing them.
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Those Pisasters are gorgeous! Rocky Shore ecosystems are pretty darn amazing!
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