Hoping to keep the last days of summer from slipping from my grasp, I packed up 'Sprouts', towels, jackets and snacks and we headed to the beach. Not that I was chasing sunshine and tan lines... For the uninformed, Washington beaches are raw and beautiful, not known for their tropical breezes or warm, white sand..
But, sunshine was not needed for this adventure! Even with mist, fog and a freshly storm-washed beach, we had an absolutely wonderful time! Washington's beaches are a favorite destination, but they can often be blissfully deserted as they were today. Just us and the seagulls..
Neither the water nor wind was as cold as we had expected, and within minutes the girls were soaked waist-high; chasing waves, jumping small swells and racing sandpipers..
My youngest spent quite a while searching for shells and intensely discussing the lack of them with Shaun.
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Recent storms had pretty much cleaned the beach. Probably not a bad thing, her "treasures" always smell up the car on the drive home...
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Of course, after a long afternoon expending a great deal of energy in the wind and water, small tummies got to thinking about the 2-hour-drive home and the meager stash of snacks we'd already polished off. And Mom started pondering the improbability of finding vegan options at the few beach-themed fish-n-chip tourist traps.
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So we attempted to clean off sand, wrapped ourselves in towels and headed to 'town'.
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Luckily, the first NON sea-life-based eating establishment we discovered was Dugan's Pizza and they happily created an incredible cheese-free pizza overflowing with every imaginable veggie; artichokes, spinach, green and kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes and more - with a delicious sauce and crust that were vegan as well! We didn't even have to settle for the standard vegan salad (though seeing the salads our fellow diners ordered, I would have been equally impressed.)
Relaxed and exhausted, we said good-bye to the beach and headed home, full of pizza and a few more wonderful memories....
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Oh I so wish there was a beach 2 hours from me! Guess I'll "settle" for the mountains being even closer. But still, a beach (foggy or not) would be nice once in a while. I know my boys (aka my dogs) would love it!
ReplyDeleteAhh, what a fun trip to the beach you had - and that pizza looks wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you and the sprouts had fun - what a lovely family you have!
ReplyDeleteNice photos and what a great way to finish off summer. (not to mention the delicious pizza involved). I grew up on the East Coast, so most beaches around there are similar to this one, cool and deserted. I like those beaches best!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun trip! The photos are beautiful, and I really like the colored borders you add. Yay for veganizable pizza!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds (and looks!) like a really fabulous mini vacation!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like so much fun. I love the beach and ocean when a storm has passed thru. Great job finding that delicious looking pizza amongst all the fishy places.
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun and relaxing trip to the beach! and what a find for cheeseless pizza!!
ReplyDeletealso wanted to let you know that i nominated you for a fun blog award. you can see the details here.
pizza and the beach: two of my favorite things! btw, i facebook too! jennifer fish molica
ReplyDeleteHow nice to have the beach to yourselves!
ReplyDeleteThat beach is beautiful. Honestly, I prefer my beaches like that...on overcast days when the lack of nearby trees doesn't matter. And wow! What a fabulously-stuffed vegan pizza.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Girlie!!!! I hope you have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteAw, cute pictures! Looks like you have a really happy family :)
ReplyDeleteYou seem like such a great mom. I hope your kids realize how lucky they are! :o)
ReplyDeleteNow this is living. You are the best.
ReplyDeleteWow, a very tasty looking pizza! And it looks like you girls had a great time! Misty, overcast days are excellent for beach excursions.
ReplyDeleteI too love vacations & vacation trips also.
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