grunion run #1

My husband has been telling me about going on grunion runs when he was a kid, with his uncle and cousins, for years.  He did some checking, and this year, with Rebecca on summer vacation, and no preschool for Jessie the next day, timing was perfect to attend the organized run at Cabrillo Beach.

We left shortly after dinner, arriving at the beach around 8pm.  In this picture, can you tell who just woke up from a long car-ride nap?  I love that photo.

There, all better now and ready to go.  There was a lot of waiting that night, and the girls were so patient and never once complained or seemed bored. 

We explored the aquarium for about an hour before the movie about grunion, then afterward, we hatched our very own grunion babies.  See those little streaks in there?  Well, okay, maybe not, but, seriously, trust me, we watched the eggs pop open before our eyes while we swirled the sand and sea water in the glass jars (simulating the tide and wave action).  It was so amazing and thrilling.    Then it was finally time to head out to the beach with our guides.  We sat in a line parallel to the waves, while the numbers of grunion increased, and waited our turn while the researchers gathered buckets full for their studies.  Then, at last, we were let loose.

I don't know who was more excited, the kids or the adults, but I do know who was the wimpiest at picking up the crazy, surprisingly (and disconcertingly) muscular, squirming, wriggling six inch long fish - me!  I squealed like a pig, giggled like a four year old, and had a fantastic time.  Before we even made it to the beach, Rebecca said she was going to get at least 20, and Jessie was shooting for "100.  Or more!"  But actually, the girls didn't even attempt to grab any, just stood in the midst of the glistening, shimmering mass and laughed and laughed, heads thrown back, mouths and eyes open wide.  Such pure joy.

We caught three.  Talked to them, named them (Reflect, Sparkly and Michelle - don't ask), Jessie really is a little jokey jokester) and then said goodbye, as we sent them back to "be with their families."  Super great, super fun, something I'll remember forever.  We're making this one a tradition, and will do it every year for as long as the girls want. 

Comments

[Marissa]

oh that sounds like so much fun your girls are so cute!

[Ali]

So, does everyone put them back or was it just you kindly folks? Sounds like such a quirky activity - love it! And your girls really are the cutest.

[ET]

wow, i wish i could be there. the name "michelle" must be Jessie's idea, right ? she got grandpa's gene.
haha, can't wait seeing you next month.
love, mom

[carol]

so funny! Good for them that they didn't want to catch any!

[lettuce]

some of my happiest childhood memories, napping in the car. what a lovely photo

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[Jessica]

Looks like you guys had a blast!!

[Karen aka Grammy Mac]

Brought back memories...my friends and I used to go to Cabrillo Beach and do the grunion run every chance we got...did you go to the tide pools, too?