We had a fantastic time this summer visiting some good friends at their rented beach cabin on Juniper Beach, on Camano Island, Washington.  Juniper Beach is located on a tidal mudflat, where the tide goes out for hundreds of yards, leaving behind sandy mud that’s great for clam digging and kid mess-making.  When the tide comes in, the water slowly rolls over mud that’s been baking in the sun all day, and it’s as warm as your bathtub.  Crab and shellfish are abundant, and eagles frequent the skies overhead.  All the kids naturally had a great time, and it was a lot of fun to hang out with friends, walk in the warm water and take hundreds of photos.  Many thanks to the Fortins and the Maiers for inviting us along – we look forward to visiting again next year!  Some choice photos below; full photo set here on Flickr.

"> Picnic Point Beach is our favorite beach in the greater Seattle metro/suburban area.  It’s a choice spot because it’s off the beaten path (so it never gets too busy), has a very cool stream that runs down to the beach, and plenty of trees and picnic spots.  It’s a terrific beach for shell hunting and for finding sea life such as tiny crabs, sea anenomes and starfish.  A train track runs nearby and adds to the charm (though they are noisy, so this isn’t a choice beach-napping spot).  The homes nestled into the surrounding hillside are impressive and enviable, and the view across the Puget Sound is to die for.  This is a place we hit frequently during the summer, and this summer was no exception.  Photos below, and more on Flickr.

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