5th Anniversary

Hal writes:

Anna and I spent our 5th anniversary in Long Beach this past weekend. (That would be the Long Beach in Washington, not California.) As you can see from the photo below, this truly is the LONGEST beach in the world.


The area we were in is known for their oysters, but obviously other fresh seafood that can be enjoyed the day it is caught. (Unlike "fresh" seafood in the Midwest.)

During the weekend we stayed in an updated bungalow located on the beach. Yes, Riley came along for the trip.

The couple who owned the bungalows on the beach also owned a small coffee shop/restaurant. They are only open for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings. It was so amazing Saturday that we went back on Sunday. They use all local/organic ingredients and change their menu each month to reflect what is available and in season.

Anna was a bit concerned about potential tsunamis, but we read a guide on the beach on what to do if there is an approaching tsunami. We can add that to the list of skills that include what to do if attacked by a mountain lion and what do to if caught in an avalanche.

Riley made a new friend on the beach.


The area we stayed in is known as the place where Lewis & Clark made it to the Pacific Ocean and camped for the winter before starting their return voyage.

This sculpture represents Clark's account of finding large fish (and a set of whale bones) on the beach. Clark recorded a number of details about plant and animal life, cartography, information about Native American language and culture, and other details that he felt were of interest to the academic population living on the East Coast. (Riley wasn't sure what to make of him or the fish.)

An actual set of whale bones from a whale that passed away and beached on the shore a few years ago. About the same size as the bones that was recorded in Clark's journal.

Outside the Interpretive Center.

A look at the interpretive center from one of the state park trails. The interpretive center is made from an old WWII bunker meant to protect the Columbia river from foreign attacks.

There were two lighthouses that were near the interpretive center. This is a view looking south of the interpretive center. The building to the right of the lighthouse is a Homeland Security (or Naval stations, according to signs made before 2002) with a lot of monitoring equipment.


This photo is brought to you by the professional photographer who happened to be taking pictures while we were exploring.
This is the second light house on the north end of the park.


When we approached there were people up in the light house that were "oohing" and "ahhing" like they were watching fireworks. There were three Gray Whales putting on a show of spouting and sticking their heads out of the water. They are not typically this far south during this season (according to the light house tour guide). We didn't have a zoom lens with us, but this is the closest we could get to see one of them spouting and then sticking his head out of the water. (I think he is winking at us in the second photo...)

*SPOUT*

*WINK*