365 Project – 233: Ruby Beach playdate (August 21, 2013)

Olympic National Park boasts gorgeous beaches on the northwestern coast of Washington state but, not all have sandy beaches like Ruby Beach. It’s an easy stroll from the parking lot and if you go left (south), there’s a big stretch of fine sand, as opposed to the more typical coarse sand or rocks found on many ONP beaches. Time it at low tide to enjoy tidepooling, and plan on staying late to catch a stunning sunset. Ruby Beach is a gem we often enjoy with our family and friends. 🙂

p.s. For our family, a few of our other favorite fine sandy beaches are Shi Shi Beach and Third Beach but, they’re not as accessible as Ruby Beach. In comparison, Rialto Beach is absolutely gorgeous and has amazing tidepooling and the famous “hole in the wall”, but, the beach is strewn with rocks and it’s often very windy and thus, colder. Rialto is also a favorite for our family but, if we’re in the mood for swimming and making sand castles, we opt for Ruby Beach or Third Beach. 🙂

Tidepooling before sunset

Yup, the ocean is “warm” for these Pacific Northwest girls! 🙂

365 Project – 232: From the tip of my kayak on Lake Crescent – Port Angeles, WA (August 20, 2013)

The wind had picked up and I wasn’t at all concerned about tipping over but,  I was concerned about keeping my Nikon D7000 dry while I took this shot! I protected my camera in a waterproof bag but, everytime I extracted it, the bow of my boat would veer away from center, ruining my intended composition.  At one point, I suddenly found myself  parallel to shore, with the waves crashing across my spray skirt and my boat scraping against the rocks. Quickly I raised my camera and clumsily stuffed it back into the safety of my waterproof bag, then turned back into the waves to try again to get my shot. This was probably one of the most stressful shots I’d ever captured just because of my camera-protective anxiety, but, I loved every second of it!!  🙂

365 Project – 230, 231: Me and my “Sparrowhawk” – kayaking on Lake Crescent (August 18, 2013)

When I’m on the water in my Wilderness Systems’ Sparrowhawk, I’m in my happy place…

365 Project – 229: Sol Duc Falls and Hot Springs (Aug. 17, 2013) #olympicnationalpark #solduc #portangeles #picsoftheday

Playing tourist in our backyard, hiking to Sol Duc Falls then taking a soak and swim at the hot springs. So blessed this is so close to home. Awww…

365 Project – 199: Luncheon of the boating party ;) – Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, WA (July 18, 2013)

In 1880, Renoir had a more refined setting in mind when he painted Luncheon of the Boating Party but, in 2013 this is how girls lunch, after air-mattress kayaking on the lake, digging into their grub while reclining on their air mattresses! I love their style! LOL

365 Project – 198: Ripped! Lake Crescent – Port Angeles, WA (July 17, 2013)

Yes, the scenery is gorgeous at Lake Crescent but, I can’t get over how ripped my daughter’s abs are! Oh, to be a kid again…although, I don’t know if I ever sported a washboard stomach like this. Someday…HA!! Love these strong and adventurous girls! 🙂

365 Project – 197: Mt Olympus looming large from Hurricane Ridge – Port Angeles, WA (July 16, 2013)

Hiking at Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park – Port Angeles, WA

365 Project – 189: Playing tour guide on the Olympic Peninsula (July 15, 2013) #portangeles #iphonography #picoftheday #hurricaneridge #rubybeach #lake crescent

I’ve had family in town and the weather has been fabulous to show off the Olympic Peninsula all week. Here are some shots from Lake Aldwell (with a glimpse of the “new” path of the Elwha River), Ruby Beach on the Pacific Ocean, getting Twilight goofy at the Forks Visitor Center, splashing at Lake Crescent, and enjoying the views of Mt Olympus and the Olympics from Hurricane Ridge. Living in Port Angeles is paradise on these gorgeous summer days! 🙂

365 Project – 33: Another great day at Hurricane Ridge – Port Angeles, WA (February 5, 2013)

Sunday was another great day at Hurricane Ridge, in Olympic National Park.  The snow was bright, the sun came out, and the cross-country and snowshoeing trail was freshly groomed.  It was a treat for sure!  Here’s my snowshoeing buddy, smiling on the Hurricane Hill trail, with the Olympic Mountains in the background.  Awww…:)

365 Project – 15: Hurricane Ridge Lodge and the Olympic Mountains – Olympic National Park – Port Angeles, WA (January 15, 2013)