Sunday Treats

I was feeling better today, but not wanting to do much walking in the cold wind still with us, so we visited the Marine Life Center (MLC) on Bellingham's waterfront this morning.

Open daily all year round, with free admission (donations appreciated), this small center offers a marvelous experience for anyone interested in the marine life found in this area, with live displays and a hands-on touch tank.

The Bubble Tank seen above was a special favorite with some of the children there today, particularly as there was a small Giant Pacific Octopus named Octavious in the far corner. (The detached arm belongs to Ariel, the staff member on duty, who was gently rubbing the shy octopus hiding behind the large sea anemone and grass).

This 35 pound (16 kg) male should have been in the single occupancy octopus tank, but Kraken, the previous inhabitant, cracked the tank when he tried to move a pipe and some rocks that he thought would look better in another corner of his temporary abode. Fortunately, at about 50 pounds (23 kg), Kraken was big enough to release locally, as Octavious will be, once he's large enough.

Phil took our grandchildren to the MLC years ago, when I was still working in Seattle and commuting home on weekends, but I'd not been there before. It was only the incentive of lunch at La Fiamma Pizza that pulled me away from this fascinating place today, and I'll return soon!

(Addendum: See the links in my response to Ceridwen's comment, below, for more information on our local octopus.)