Dolphins for a Swim, originally uploaded by Shirley Buxton.A most delightful part of travel is that of observing animals in the wild. Every day while we were in Rincon I watched as dolphins moved up and down the Pacific Coast. Friendly mammals, they often swim close to the surfers, and are even known to nudge up against them.
Once as I was on the walkway along the beach, as I looked out over the water, I thought I saw the head of a seal, pop up, look around, then duck beneath the waves. A gentleman stood near, and I remarked that I thought I had seen a seal.
“Yep, there’s one out there. Been in and out of this area for several days. When he comes in here, my fishing drops to nothing.”
Tearing in and out of the boulders that rise from the sea at this location are ground squirrels. I watched this one as he scratched around in the fire ring just outside the door of our RV.
The food from the fire ring seemed to be insufficient, for he moved then to the vegetation that grows among the rocks, and picked a fine morsel. First, though, it appears he paused. “Lord, we thank you for this food.” Well, I’m not sure that’s what he was saying, and I know he didn’t have his eyes closed, but I was close by, and you were not, and I insist I felt a little bit of gratefulness emanating from this little critter. (You’re forced to indulge me, you know, unless you just click out of here, and I’m sure you wouldn’t do that. )
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Having properly offered thanks, my ground squirrel poked the food into his ready mouth. Ever watched one of these cute critters up close? It’s hilarious; their mouths jaw so fast it looks as wild and jerky as a film that’s being “fast-forwarded.”
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They’re very pretty animals.
We’ve made it to our destination and have our rig set up at the Santa Maria Fairgrounds. Camp begins on Monday. In the meantime, we’re lolling about, walking a bit and visiting with others who have arrived early. By Monday, this place will be roaring. Now, it’s quiet…and cool…58 degrees when I arose this morning.
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My devotional blog is here.
Shirley Buxton 
4 replies on “Critters at Rincon”
CATHERINE, hope you can make it somehow, even if only for one service or two.
KAREN, visited your church today. It was great.
ROCHELLE, wish you could be here in Santa Maria for our camp meeting. In our motor home this morning when I arose, it was 58 degrees. Blessed cool!
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I have to show Keilani these pictures! We captured nearly the same ones while we in Southern California. We came home to 106 temps though and wish I were there with all of you! (Except, I am glad we missed the earthquake!)
Be safe in your travels!
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Your pictures of Rincon are wonderful (in both posts). Glad you have safely arrived in Santa Maria and are enjoying our beautiful weather. Now it is on to a great camp meeting of reacquainting with old friends – and hearing the Word.
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Glad you made it to Camp.
I’m spinning my wheels figuring out to get up there for a few services. Circumstances beyond my control are making a no-go at the moment. For years we camped out and I loved it. The last couple of years, well… hotel rooms are quite nice 🙂
Totally enjoyed your pictures (and words) of the “Rincon Interim”.
God bless you richly.
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