Bowman Bay and Elsie Mae

Elsie Mae

Elsie Mae is a seven-year-old rare Elephant Seal that was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. It's a rare sighting to see a 1,200-pound creature like her on Whidbey Island. She has returned after a long absence in the deep ocean that surrounds the Salish Sea. Two or three years ago she gave birth to a male seal on this beach, and she returns during the molting season to Whidbey Island. This morning, she was cordoned off by volunteers who have been making sure she isn't bothered by her numerous admirers.

When our hike leader learned about her return, he took sixteen Happy Wanderers to Bowman Bay, where we got to see her in her natural habitat. These volunteers were able to give us much of her resumé (compiled by Joe Hashmall):

This one was named Elsie Mae and around two years ago gave birth to a son (EMerSon --- Elsie Mae Son).  He was the first Elephant Seal that is known to have been born on Fidalgo Island. Elephant seals come to beaches in the summer to molt. They grow a new furry layer and are pretty inactive during the process.  Elsie Mae had finished growing her new coat and was resting before heading out to the Pacific. The Salish Sea is too shallow to harbor the type of food that they eat. They dive down hundreds of feet and eat soft creatures that live on the bottom: bottom dwelling fish, squid, etc.

I also learned that they dive down and can stay underwater for up to two hours before having to breathe again. Although Elsie Mae is only 1,200 pounds, male Elephant Seals can grow to 4,000 pounds or more. The naturalists were very helpful and obviously have become great fans of this seal.

After spending time oohing and aahing over Elsie Mae, we headed to Rosario Point, a short hike from the parking lot. It turned out that Lighthouse Point, where we tried to hike first, is closed due to downed trees and basically unsafe conditions, so it would be Rosario Point instead. 

On the trail heading to Rosario Point

It's very lovely and fairly easy to traverse, so we enjoyed following Joe to the views of the Salish Sea.  One of the sights when you get there is the wooden statue of the Maiden of Deception Pass.

The story of the Maiden

When you reach the statue, you can read her story by following the plaques surrounding the statue.

Read her story here

It's a very impressive statue, and one that is well known to those who live in the area, and those like me who visit and want to know more. And it couldn't be in a more beautiful environment.

View from Rosario Point

Since we didn't get a chance to get to Lighthouse Point, we instead went on a nice hike around Pass Lake. Well, not exactly around it, but in the general area. It was a gentle loop hike that gave us a bit more exercise before heading back home. We also made a stop at the Lopez Island Creamery for some delicious ice cream, which was quite a treat. All in all, a very fine way to spend our Happy Wanderers Tuesday! Thanks to all who helped make it such a good day.

:-)