Blog.
Join us for wildlife stories, field notes, and plenty of coastal surprises - from sea lions at the marina to hidden tide pools and a shop full of nature-inspired art.
I started Salt + Noelle because I love wildlife - and honestly, I got tired of seeing nature and travel stories that felt out of reach. Everything either looked photoshopped, staged, or like it required a $20K expedition just to get a glimpse of the real thing. I wanted to share the coast and its wild moments the way I actually experience them: with patience, curiosity, and a camera slung over my shoulder.
This blog is for anyone who’s ever wished they could see more wildlife, but didn’t know where to start - or who just wanted an honest look at what’s really out there, not just the highlight reel. My photography is grounded in real fieldwork, not perfection, and my stories are about what I actually see and feel on the trail, the coast, and everywhere in between.
If you’re craving authentic tips, field notes, and a sense of what to actually expect when you head outside, you’re in the right place. I hope these essays and photos help you feel a little more connected to the wild, and maybe inspire you to slow down and see it for yourself.
I write from the coast, the trail, and sometimes the passenger seat. Thanks for being here - and for wanting something authentic.
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Monarch Magic at Pismo Grove 🦋🌿
A December morning at Pismo Monarch Butterfly Grove - wandering quiet paths beneath golden eucalyptus, searching for clusters of monarchs high in the canopy. Fewer butterflies than expected, but still a reminder of how much these groves matter. Field notes, practical tips, and a little hope for more monarchs next winter.
From Cannery Row to Bird Rock: A Monterey Day Trip Worth Remembering 🐚💫
We followed 17 Mile Drive through Monterey’s coast - spotting sea otters, walking tidepools, and letting the road lead somewhere better than planned.
Harbor Seal Highlights 🦭💦
Harbor seals were everywhere - resting and watching. Pupping season at Elkhorn Slough is officially on the list for a return trip.
A Crab Claw and No Intention of Sharing 🦦🍽️
Caught mid-snack with a crab claw in one paw, this Elkhorn Slough otter wasn’t in the mood to share. A crunchy little moment from the coast.
Morro Bay Adventure: Sea Otters, Elephant Seals & Monarch Butterflies Along California’s Coast 🌊🦋
From sea otters floating in kelp to elephant seals sparring on the beach, this Central California coastal trip had it all - ending with a quiet moment beneath a canopy of monarch butterflies. Read the full story and explore the gallery.