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Wheeling Through the Monterey Bay Aquarium

© Scott Paul Rains

Look around.. While still on the first floor in this section of the Aquarium you can be enthralled for hours spying on cuttlefish, wishing you were as flexible as the octopi, and feeling a certain kinship with the invisible-in-plain-sight bottom fish. The Sandy Beach and Aviary exhibit's close-up glimpse of shore birds has a voyeuristic feel while the Penguin habitat (take the elevator to the level right above) can have a certain comic tenor - especially at feeding time.

Sniff. The cafeteria has surprisingly good food. Time your visit well. During the busiest periods it gets crowded in the food court's cramped space and there may not be a staff person readily available to assist you.

Be a kid again. Kids giggle as they crawl through "caves" or sit inside a giant clam. Kids-of-all-ages react with mixed attraction/repulsion to the feel of tide pool creatures of the Touch Tank in the Splash Zone. Be brave. Check out the Bay Ray tank. A wheelchair is no impediment there. The raw power of the Coastal Stream and Tide Pools always draw me in and usually set me up for a contemplative stroll outside along the deck overlooking the Great Tide Pool.

Head south.I like to save the Outer Bay Wing's exhibits for the finale. Make your way back to the entrance but this time explore the second floor. A dizzying school of anchovies circle continuously overhead in the entrance to the Outer Bay section. That frantic activity is a deceptive introduction.

Linger. The jellyfish exhibit's monochrome lighting and the bizarre beauty of its jellyfish evoke an almost mystical feel. Pause. Everyone does. At the point where you pass from the Drifters (Jellyfish) into the massive Outer Bay display, a little investigation will turn up an elevator to the balcony. Don't miss the chance to move up. Watch giant bluefin tuna and sea turtles, sunfish and dorado from your secluded mezzanine perch on a "screen" that rivals an IMAX.

Marvel. Art imitates life imitates art in the Jellies: Living Art display. Spectacular - and humorous. Filmed choreography (none of the dancers in wheelchairs), painting, sculpture, computer animation, ostentatiously framed aquaria keep you moving from one emotion to another while always educating. The Chihuly glass shapes of the sea were especially stunning but only one portion of this beautiful section.

Celebrate. Congratulations on a long day well spent! I prefer to spread the tour over two days and be leisurely. There's so much to absorb. Celebrate by taking yourself out to one of Monterey's excellent restaurants. There are several just a short roll away.