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Sunday, April 6, 2014

Vacations and Holidays - Fisherman's Wharf by Fran



Once upon a time when we were younger, we took an anniversary trip to San Francisco and northern California.  It was a wonderful trip and I wish I could relive the trip.  So much is wasted on the young.  I would be so much more appreciative now.  At the time I was relishing the rest and time away from the kids while worrying about them and missing them at the same time.  Now I could devote my total attention to the wonders of California.

When in San Francisco one must always go to Fisherman's Wharf.  Seeing the huge brown seals that lounged on the floating decks which were anchored in the bay was quite an experience for one who had never seen anything more exciting than a pelican roosting on the docks of Texas bays.

This watercolor ATC card was made from one of my photographs.  For the smaller space, I only drew five of the twenty or so seals that were in the photograph.  I have heard that for some mysterious reason the seals have left the harbor.  I do not know if this is true.  It is just one of the mysterious things that we hear about in our changing global environment. I hope that they have returned by now.

18 comments:

  1. I love how you have them basking in the sunshine. I remember seeing them too. Maybe what you heard isn't true! I hope not!

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    1. Yes, big Papa was soaking up the rays with his little harem. It was a beautiful summer day. Lynn Cohen who lives near SF says she thinks the seals are still in the harbor. Good.

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  2. I love how you have them basking in the sunshine. I remember seeing them too. Maybe what you heard isn't true! I hope not!

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    1. Thanks. Yes, I am hoping they are still there. So special.

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  3. I allways think the seals are like human beings. It is sad if they have disappeared there. Your painting is a wonderful illustration of them.

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    1. Yes Sirkka, human like in the stories of the selkies that can change their seal skin for a human form. Other readers who live near San Francisco say the seals are still there. That is good. Thank you.

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  4. Fran, you've captured the true look of these mounds of seal life on the San Francisco docks near fishermans wharf! As far as I know they are still there. I haven't gone looking for them in a while. ;-) we are 1 hour from SF. And we visit the marina area often, as my husband comes from a family of seamen/ fishermen on Tall Ships, Schooners, who sailed out of Nova Scotia.

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    1. Thank you for the information Lynn. I am glad they are still there. We drove the coast road on a misty morning. It was so beautiful. I have not been impressed by anything else as magnificent as looking across the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. I have always lived near the Texas Gulf coast, but it never seemed as vast as the Pacific.

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  5. This is such a lovely painting Fran. I love how you have outlined the seals and have the contrast between lights and darks, this really pops :-)

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    1. Thank you Ann. They are so shiny that the sun gleamed off those sleek brown coats. I wish I could have captured it more sucessfully.

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  6. I think your selection of this group of five seals, and the way you have painted them is very artistic. When I look at them I expect them to move. Lovely way to recapture the moment.
    And thanks for reviving a memory for me. in San Francisco we sat in the restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf, and the seals were swimming and playing in the water just outside the window where we sat eating our lunch.

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    1. How wonderful to see them play. They were lazy the day we were there. Who knows, maybe we were at the same restaurant. Thank you.

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  7. Your seals look very happy and healthy. I love SF, but haven't been there in a while. Great job on your painting.

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    1. Thank you. San Francisco is indeed, a special place.

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  8. I can almost hear the seals barking! Wonderful job!

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    1. Thank you. I know what you mean. Their barking and the seagulls crying is a special sound;

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  9. Fran, I googled seals at Fisherman's Wharf and someone posted in February that they visited Fisherman's Wharf and saw the seals...so they must still be there.

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