Tanks, a lot!

Behind the gates of Pony Tracks Ranch, and just up the drive...

Is one of the premier collections of military vehicles in the world.

The Miltary Vehicle Technology Foundation, home to more than 220 tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery, personnel carriers and other assorted hardware, was created to carry on the work of Jacques Littlefield, who amassed this amazing collection over a period of more than 30 years.

On Saturday, TSG toured this remarkable facility.  A most enjoyable excursion! 



Led by an extremely knowledgeable docent (the unusually nicknamed Chris "Toadman" Hughes), we wandered through four large buildings that house roughy half of the collection. We saw Shermans, Panzers, Panthers, Scorpions, Scuds, M60s, T34s, and a host of other multi-ton behemoths.

You can see more photos from the tour here: http://picasaweb.google.com/yawndave/TankMuseum11610

ANOTHER BEACH PHOTO???

Here we see some famous rock stars and their retinue enjoying a day in the sun at San Tropez.  You may wonder why several of the children have numbers superimposed upon them.

Well, it's because you have to guess:

Which one of them went on to having a major role in Peter Jackson's production of  King Kong?

Año Nuevo

As in Año Nuevo State Park, where this photo was taken. Every year around this time, the bull Elephant Seals start to arrive at Ano Nuevo.  Looking for blubbery love, they are.  You've probably seen their battles for dominance--to claim territory on the beach and aquire the largest harems--on nature shows.  Here we see one of the subadult males adopting an unusual pose and giving us the eye.

In the past the State Park website posted a count of the current seal population, but I don't see it this year. However, a new sealcam is available for anyone interested in checking out what the haps are on  Año Nuevo Island:   http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=25732