I remembered, when the kids and I took advantage of a recent totally amazing day by going to a local beach (Point no Point, at the top of the Kitsap Peninsula), that Florida turned me into a beach person.  I miss it, I love it, and I ache for it, as dramatic as that sounds.  I miss the sun, the waves, the quiet, the wildness, the raw power of it, the proximity, the beauty, and the fun of it.  Last year when we arrived in Washington after springtime in Florida with its warm ocean, awesome waves and beautiful sunshine, the “beach” here (although beautiful) just didn’t fully satisfy us– the kids would NOT step even a toe into the “icy” water, the beach here isn’t right down the street like it was in Florida, and it’s so much chillier here even in the height of summer.

But THIS year is a different story– we are acclimated to the weather (65 degrees feels awesome in a tank top now), the kids went right for that icy water, and the beach with its sand and water and wildlife is just pure amazing.  We saw wildlife, explored the surf while the tide was way out, enjoyed the driftwood and sand, soaked up the peaceful quiet, and even got what I call “beach face” (a bit of tan and red on our cheeks).  Even though this beach is 30-40 minutes away, we will be spending at least a day a week throughout the sunny season enjoying all this place has to offer.