Last Year on Memorial Day Weekend I was able to visit Sea Oaks Canyon Ranch. The owner granted permission for us take pictures from his driveway, which was extremely nice of him. Later we discovered a co-worker of my friend Gary knows the owner. So earlier this month I returned for an up-close tour of the Dinosaurs on the Ranch. The owner is a very private person making this an exceptionally nice accommodation. Unfortunately, he was not able to join us due to family commitments. However, Janus the mutual friend of Gary & the Owner guided us through the Prehistoric Hillside of Fantastic Metal Beasts.
There are many metal sculptures of other animals too! A bird next to a shed with a water wheel. Burros behind the Brontosaurus. And did you notice the large cricket in the foreground of the second picture above? You may find a pink elephant hiding in the bushes. There is a large green reptile and even a little Dragon. I think his fire breathing dried up the pool.
Here is a Dinosaur with a Crest on the back of its head. Can You name this Dinosaur? We All enjoy the Ranch. Wait in the Tree, a Pterosaur. What an unusual one. The head of a Pteranodon but a tail like a Rhamphorynchus! A Triceratops, Stegosaurus, another Triceratops and an Ankylosaur. Gary poses with the Ankylosaurus to give some perspective to its size.
Next a Parasaurolophus, Spinosaurus and a Large Triceratop. I get up close to the Spinosaurus and Triceratops for a little chat. And then, What is This? Do You Know? Another Ceratopsian just before, I approach a Brontosaurus that’s hiding from a Raptor and a T-Rex that is hatching on the other side of the tree. I welcome the T-Rex to this New World and practice some Raptor Wrangling Skills before moving on.
Now there is a T-Rex with a Surfboard in his mouth! I ask for it back nicely, but he is just too attached to it. We pose with the T-Rex and then it’s time to leave this Magical Place. Cindy & Gary my wonderful hosts, pose with my Imperial before Kevin & I head home from our Adventure. See posts May 3, 2019 “Road Trip with Kevin the T-Rex Hatchling” and May 10, 2019 “Kevin at the Imperial Show” for more on our Adventure to Atascadero.
It is my understanding the Artist responsible for these beautiful works of Art served in the Military. Therefore, on this Memorial Day Weekend when we pay tribute to those who have served to protect our Country, We Salute You Twice. Once for Your Service and Secondly for the Smiles You put on the Faces of those fortunate to see Your Wonderful Works of Art.
Thank You to All for Your Service and Sacrifice for Our Country!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Your feedback is appreciated, Thank you!
I’ve been a curious admirer of the sculptures one can see from hwy 41 while driving. I’m not sure which of the people in the story I’m addressing, but I would love to acquire a few sculptures for my property near Creston, visible from Camp 8 Rd. Can you direct my inquiry? I would definitely want to paint them, possibly feather them! Thank you
Hi Pete,
I have received a number of inquiries recently regarding my May 24, 2019 post Dinosaurs at Sea Oaks Canyon Ranch. I was extremely fortunate to have my up-close visit in 2019. As I mentioned, the owner is a very private person and I do not have direct contact with him. Therefore, you will need to be happy with seeing these Dinosaurs from the road or the pictures in my post of the Dinosaurs not visible from there. However, Please, Please be Very Careful doing so. Drivers keep your Eyes on the Road! Hwy 41 is very busy and there are many people that drive at speeds significantly above the speed limit, which dramatically increases the dangers of viewing from the roadside.
I had a brief encounter with the owner in 2018, when he was leaving the property. I was taking pictures outside his fence. I asked him who made the Dinosaurs? I’m always interested in writing about the artists. The owner advised me that his friend, a veteran made them for his therapy. He added his friend would not be interested in an interview or making Dinosaurs for anyone else.
My Needing Rescue/Adoption page lists a few sources for finding Metal Dinosaurs in California.
My Dinosaurs originally came from Mexico. Rosa Beach and Tijuana are locations in Mexico where you can meet the artists. If you have the right vehicle, you could save a great deal by purchasing your Dinosaurs direct. Be careful if you search online for Dinosaurs. Some of the first to pop-up are poor quality and very expensive!
The Metal Zoo in Jackson, CA; Loya’s Courtyard in Tucson, AZ & Desert Horizon Nursery in Queen Creek, AZ have some nice Metal Dinosaurs.
Best Wishes in Your Dinosaur Hunting!
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
Wow, thanks. I’ll start my search! I didn’t know that I had a reply until today when I looked at the pictures page again.
BTW, I was a successful middle school band director for 25 years then I was required to teach 7th grade science all day; genetics, evolution. I loved it and learned a lot. So these statues, if I find them, will be a fun way to remember those last years when my career got diverted. Still an active local musician.