I’ve been out of touch for much longer than I had intended, but it couldn’t be helped. Too much has been going on, with a cross-country road trip, a hiking injury, and an unexpected surgery, and my posts may be quite sporadic for a while. Rest assured that I’m still hanging in there, and I’ll offer a couple of shots from the trip by way of dramatic foreshadowing. Meanwhile, patience, please.
krikitarts 
Glad you are back. I was getting worried about you. Miss all the info and pics. Get well soon
Thanks, Joan–that’s my plan!
Take your time and get well. We will be patiently waiting :).
I’ll try not to keep you waiting this long again. Things are getting better!
Great to hear :)
Take care of yourself, Gary. though we will all be waiting for your next installment. Is that an otter in your last shot? I used to love watching them in Monterey, California when I was at the language school there.
Absolutely right about the sea otter, Mike. This one was in the Elkhorn Slough, 120 miles or so south of Monterey, and the humpback whales were a few miles offshore from there. Otters have long been among my very favorite wild animals.
Unlimited patience, Gary – just good to hear from you! But is this a second bout of surgery, or are you referring to the job that you had done or your arm or shoulder awhile back? I hope you’re ok, my friend! Adrian
Yup, second bout, I’m afraid. I don’t want to elaborate, though, except to say that it’s working better now, thanks in large part to my own patience. Really appreciate the kind words, Adrian!
What a precious shot of the otter! I love their spirit. Best wishes for things to go more smoothly.
Oh, yeah, otters are the greatest! This one looked so tickled with his meal of fresh crab!
Sorry to hear about the hiking injury and surgery. I do so hope that you still managed to enjoy your long road trip to some degree.
I’ve never seen Otters in the wild. What fun it must be to see them in their natural habitat. Love the pics.
Yes, the road trip was great, and I have lots more to share, as time allows. We’re used to the occasional little river otters in northern Minnesota, but these guys get up to 80 pounds!
Very nice Gary!
Thanks, Robyn!
As always, it’s great to see your talent at work, Gary. Sorry to hear about your hiking injury and surgery. Please take good care and rest well. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Fantastic double whale tail! So pleased that you saw the Sea otters, and got to see one handling a crab. I have a post coming about Sea otters soon. I’ve got to write it first.
Thanks, David! It was a very good day for us, too!