Considering the myriad of beach choices in these parts, we’ve made this one our go-to since the parents of our preschoolers were little. Anderson Point is never crowded. The half-mile switchback from the cars to the shore is doable for little legs. And, even on a Thursday when the perfect, sunny beach weather turned within thirty minutes into a nominal, gray, Puget Sound day, we enjoyed our marine biology exploration.
First, these little ladies noted their matching dresses from Primark, purchased by their mommies in Reading, UK, last February. “We’re matching!” both exclaimed in the parking lot. Remember when matching was a thing? I do.
Notice the chunky gravel? Because bloodied knees were not on the itinerary, we grownups insisted there be NO RUNNING until we reached the beach. Hand-holding, however, was optional. Mr. Mo chose to ride in his carriage.
Running commenced as soon as we reached the grasslands, and the punkins could catch up to Opa. He was pointing to something, which turned out to be a blue heron standing, as they do, in inches of water.
Both girls discovered several seashells by the seashore, but also sea grass, sea weeds, plenty of rocks, one dead bullhead, a sea anemone, several seagulls, two blue herons, sail boats, power boats, driftwood, and ALL the sand.
Erin demonstrated how sand makes a perfect place to practice one’s penmanship.
Naomi found a footprint. “What do you think made that footprint, Naomi” I asked, seizing upon that teachable moment.
“A dinosaur?”
Brilliant answer, for sure. The heron that made it certainly looks prehistoric.
For his part, Mr. Mo was in want of warm blankets, where he stayed until Opa pushed him up the half-mile switchback to the cars.
For my part, I remain determined to try again for a warm, sunshiny, beach exploration before this summer ends. Because, what’s not to like about a beach?
