We hiked to the ocean

Last Sunday we hiked to Cape Alava/Sand Point. This is a 9.2 mile triangle: 3 miles from the trail head to the ocean, 3 miles along the coast, and 3 miles back to the trail head. I was afraid that, going at a 4 year old's pace, we wouldn't make it up the coast before the tide came back in. When the tide is high, this is a much more difficult hike, as the beach along certain stretches becomes submerged, and the only way to get through is to swim, or haul yourself up a cliff with a rope. To avoid that possibility, we walked around Sand Point for quite a while, then headed back up the path. So, about 7 miles overall.

The forest, on the hike in:
Checking out a location for a potential driftwood house:

Look, ma, I'm at the ocean!

On the top of what Silas calls "Dragon Mountain."

Me.

Us.

Strong (little) man:

Putting the finishing touch on the driftwood house:

Ta-da!

Enough of us. Here's what we came to see:



It rained during the hike back. Thankfully, the rainforest canopy kept us from getting totally drenched (sort of).

Long day. Good day.

This should do it

The last of the vacation pictures. I know, I know. There have been too many. At least we didn't invite you over and make you sit through a 40 minute slide show.

Moclips, in all it's glory:


Drew and Silas, goofing around for the camera:

The stairs and beach at Seabrook. Seabrook is an odd place as it is a brand new town. The signs say "Seabrook: est. 2004." One doesn't think of entirely new towns popping up any more, but that's what Seabrook is: a new beach town. It's more than a little Mayberry. But honestly, it's exactly what the coast of Washington needs. It's pedestrian and bike friendly (you get a bike to use when you rent a beach house there), was planned sustainably, and incorporates green spaces as part of it's design. Most importantly, it's the only town in that area that isn't totally depressing.

And finally, I'll end with the quintisential vacation shot: Sunset over the ocean as viewed from our front porch.

The mist

Walking on these gigantic beaches in thick fog is a little bit spooky. As you head toward the ocean, you can't see the water, or hear it over the roar of the wind, for that matter. Walking on, you turn around and discover the land is no longer visible either.

Finally, the waves appear:

But for a while, there is only you, and the fog and the sand beneath your feet.

Rainbow at Moclips

(Hey there...I'm just going to post a few pics from our trip every couple of days. Here's the first set.)

This is the beach at Moclips, which is really a nothing little town, and more than a bit run-down (no offense, Moclips, but I think you know it's true). That first morning, like most of the time we were there, it was quite foggy. There was also the strangest rainbow that actually seemed like a hailo of white light devoid of color.
The beaches are huge! It was a great place for Silas to run, provided we stuck to the areas where cars aren't allowed (cars on the beach is still a new concept to me, and I doubt I'll ever get used to it).

When Silas saw the picture below, he said "There's my art!" Perhaps he has a future as an environmental artis.
More later...

We're back...

...from the beach. A gazillion more pictures that are sure to make the grandparents happy, coming soon...