The water under the wharf was clear enough to watch two sea lions swim and dive. The wharf provide four large, square, fenced holes through which to look down and watch the sea lions.

Horizontal supports ran underneath the wharf to strengthen its pilings and to prevent damage from powerful storms. The sea lions took advantage of these horizontal supports. One would swim up near a support, leap from the water, and clamber up onto a it. Once in place, the sea lion would find a sun-lit spot and rest.

The sun that afternoon shone almost horizontally under the wharf. As soon as this sea lion popped its head from the water it was lit as if from a spotlight.

While swimming underneath the wharf, one of three sea lions looked up and silently opened is mouth. Whether as a yawn or a threat was unclear.