Beach Hike

Living in the Pacific Northwest is such a BLESSING because of the breathtaking BEAUTY that surrounds us.  However, the weather sometimes leaves much to be desired. Still, LIFE goes on despite of the RAIN.  We've learned to always be prepared with a rain coat.  BUT SOMETIMES....YOU GET LUCKY!!! Fourth of July weekend we headed out to the coast and found blue skies and sandy beaches!  

We spent two nights at Third Beach wading in the surf, playing in the driftwood, and exploring the tide pools. 

There is nothing like camping on the beach.  We hiked in 1.5 miles carrying all of our gear in a backpack.  Gracie even made the trek.   She didn't carry a pack though.  Mike piled his pack high with gear to ensure that his family was comfortable while roughing it.  Mike found a way to ensure that I have an enjoyable time while we are camping; he does all of the work!  Terrible, I know, but he loves it so much that he makes that sacrifice :).  Another way to ensure a successful camping trip is for Audrey to bring her BFF Shaila
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The tide pools were amazing!We had a tide chart and so we knew exactly when low tide would occur.  Plus, camping on the beach, the tide pools were right outside our tent door.   There is something magical about low tide since an entire world of sea creatures is exposed for a short time and then quickly vanishes with the tide.  We saw sea stars, sea anemones, hermit crabs, and a sea otter.

We found Patrick Star on the beach, you know, Sponge Bob's best friend! 

So Jensen family, this is the trip I WISH we would of had last year! August 2010 was much too rainy! Let's try it again....it's worth the trouble.

Perry Como (an old song writer) said it best in his song entitled "Seattle"

The bluest skies you've ever seen are in Seattle 
And the hills the greenest green, in Seattle 
Like a beautiful child, growing up, free an' wild 
Full of hopes an' full of fears, full of laughter, full of tears 
Full of dreams to last the years, in Seattle 
. . . in Seattle!