The week before Christmas we actually had the chance to do that. We drove to the San Francisco area to visit my brother who was traveling and my husband's sister and her family. The weather was a bit rainy, but it was a lot warmer than where we had come from.
One afternoon we headed out to the beach to check out the tidal pools. We had checked when the low tide would be and fortunately it worked out for us to go when it was low tide, and it was a particularly low tide. That made it extra fun to see what's out there.
It was a short walk from the parking area down to the beach. Then we went down some stairs and had the tidal area right in front of us to explore.
We took Emma in her stroller, which wasn't the best choice, but it worked out for part of the time.
I loved it that my nieces, who have grown up in California, are still fascinated by all the cool creatures that live along the shoreline.
One afternoon we headed out to the beach to check out the tidal pools. We had checked when the low tide would be and fortunately it worked out for us to go when it was low tide, and it was a particularly low tide. That made it extra fun to see what's out there.
It was a short walk from the parking area down to the beach. Then we went down some stairs and had the tidal area right in front of us to explore.
We took Emma in her stroller, which wasn't the best choice, but it worked out for part of the time.
I loved it that my nieces, who have grown up in California, are still fascinated by all the cool creatures that live along the shoreline. It felt like we were on a scavenger hunt, with each find bringing oohs and ahs.
The stroller was left behind at the edge of the rocks, and Emma was toted in my husband's arms. He stopped to look at Ruby's find. I'm not sure he knew what to think.
My brother enjoyed the coast. And he enjoyed getting away from the office!
We continued going farther and farther out on the rocks. We descended down into the middle tidal zone and found some starfish and anemones.
Look, everyone!
Nearby we found some places where just the salt water was trapped and found some beautiful anemones.
Ruby was good at finding things! She found a crab shell and had fun posing with it.
Emma certainly didn't know what to make of all this. It was her first visit to the ocean.
After awhile, we decided it was time to play on the beach. After all, digging in sand is so much fun. For all ages!
Emma knows what to do with sand, although this sand was a bit wetter than what she's accustomed to.
Sand is for eating! At least one time. After one mouthful she decided that was enough and didn't put more in her mouth.
Art on the beach.
Lola was doing some serious digging.
And then it was time to play with Emma and see if she would walk. She did well taking assisted steps.
High stepping on the beach.
Emma thought walking with her aunt was terrific!
Eventually the rain started coming down hard and we decided it was time to go. It was a great excursion, and one we will remember fondly!
The stroller was left behind at the edge of the rocks, and Emma was toted in my husband's arms. He stopped to look at Ruby's find. I'm not sure he knew what to think.
It was a strange little creature.
My brother enjoyed the coast. And he enjoyed getting away from the office!
We continued going farther and farther out on the rocks. We descended down into the middle tidal zone and found some starfish and anemones.
Look, everyone!This seriously wasn't a posed photo, but it sure turned out well. The overcast day made all the bright colors really stand out. The rain made the creek running through the tidal area muddy, but that didn't detract from our viewing.
Nearby we found some places where just the salt water was trapped and found some beautiful anemones.
Ruby was good at finding things! She found a crab shell and had fun posing with it.
Emma certainly didn't know what to make of all this. It was her first visit to the ocean.
After awhile, we decided it was time to play on the beach. After all, digging in sand is so much fun. For all ages!
Emma knows what to do with sand, although this sand was a bit wetter than what she's accustomed to.
Sand is for eating! At least one time. After one mouthful she decided that was enough and didn't put more in her mouth. Sigh.
I think that's progress.
Art on the beach.
Lola was doing some serious digging.
And then it was time to play with Emma and see if she would walk. She did well taking assisted steps.
High stepping on the beach.
Emma thought walking with her aunt was terrific!
Eventually the rain started coming down hard and we decided it was time to go. It was a great excursion, and one we will remember fondly!
I just love starfish!!
ReplyDelete