"Live the Cover!" Contest: Maldives

Great Travel Moment

Determined to see New Zealand sea lions, my boyfriend and I went on a multitude of beach walks hoping for an encounter. After two miles without any spottings, we gave up and decided to walk back to the van. On the way back, we spotted one lone sea lion on the beach close to the dunes. We crouched down and remained quiet. He didn't seem to notice our presence, and we watched as he flicked sand onto his back to dissuade flies and cool himself with the cold sand. He rolled around a bit in the sand like a little kid entertaining himself when he sensed our presence. What a memorable and hilarious moment to see this sea lion caught off guard and looking a bit embarassed, as if he were too old to be playing in the sand.