There are all sorts of interesting things to look at while on Coronado Beach.  Some are out in the ocean, others are flying overhead.  But in this case, these “interesting” things happen to be on the beach itself.  They come from the ocean and during certain times of the year are laying in abundance along the shore.  What am I talking about? Kelp.

Never in my life have I seen kelp quite like that of Coronado’s beach.  The long, skinny tentacle-like arm can reach up to ten feet long.  At one end, the single strand develops into tons of little strands that resemble fingers or cilia, like we once discovered in a middle school science experiment. Those little “hairs” latch themselves onto a rock or some sort of anchor that keeps them grounded while the ocean sways.

And on the other end of the long ended kelp, you will find lots of balls.  There are tiny little ones that are tear shaped, only as big as your thumb.  They are like party favors and can be popped with your foot or hand.  There are also enormous ones that are bigger than your hand.  No joke! If you try to pop some of these, you may have to put your whole body weight into it.  They’re filled with a little bit of water but are mostly hollow.  Fun little objects to examine.