Bioluminescence

Bioluminescent dinoflagellates.  Ha!  That's a mouthful!  I went on a night kayak trip with Point Reyes Outdoors last weekend to see the bioluminescence on Tomales Bay.  It was an incredible experience and one I highly recommend.  The night was still as was the bay and there were millions of stars in the sky.  That, in itself, was a truly amazing but to see what appeared to be stars lighting up in the water whenever it was disturbed was surreal.  It's believed that bioluminescence is a result of dinoflagellates protecting themselves against predators but I don't think anyone is quite sure.  In any case, the wake of a kayak, the paddle touching the water or a hand stirring the water all cause the water to sparkle like thousands of fireflies and it is a truly beautiful sight to behold.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity and hope to repeat it next Summer . . . and the one after that.  Okay, you get it.  Wonderful!