We are so fortunate to live on the coast. I was born on the east coast, and spent my early childhood there, then moved to the prairies, and then the mountains when I was a little older. There is nothing like spending your formative years next to the ocean, though, and once it's in your system, the water sort of calls to you... I knew I wouldn't be content until I lived near water again. So, when hubs and I moved to the west coast shortly before getting married, I couldn't be happier.
Our kids are pretty spoiled. Not only do they get to grow up by the seaside, but they get the convenience of being in a city. Not a big, scary city, but a quiet, small city. We can take them to big events, like outdoor concerts for Canada Day, and we can go for a little stroll to the shore, to throw rocks and check out all the critters. Yes, spoiled!
Let's go tidepooling!
My kids, like most, love checking out all sorts of critters, so this is one of our favorite seaside boredom busters.
Poking anemones.
the anemones that were subject to our science experiment
"Look, mom! Crab hands!"
Wee man plucked this hermit crab out of a tide pool, and set it on the rock, to see what it would do. He has taken to picking up all the critters. Fortunately, he's very gentle, and I'm glad he's not squeamish, or scared.
walking home for the 3rd time that day, after being air-lifted to several similar destinations
This crab, having been carefully lifted from the beach, was set in a tide pool full of sea monkeys on one of the nearby giant rocks, and we got a little surprise.
kick "This is MY home now!"
I don't know about you, but we sure didn't see that other little crab in there before he literally got his ass kicked. 😄lol
Back down on the rocky beach...
pretty little striped crab
... we started overturning rocks.
tiny crabs running for their lives
the teeny tiniest crab, being scrutinized by its kindergarten abductor
so many hermit crabs, sent into chaos, searching for their rock shelter
Hubs discovered this random crustacean... it looks sort of like a shrimp/prawn.
misplaced crawfish?
And then, as we were getting set to head home, we overturned one last rock, and found these interesting guys. I have no idea what they are!
you spin me right round baby, right round...
It wasn't until I saw them start to spin that I even knew they were some sort of critter! Anyone out there have a clue?