Twanoh State Park

Our Sunday was a gorgeous, sunny day and we took the opportunity to be outdoors and go for a hike.  For Christmas, our good friend Kelly gave us a book of hikes around the Olympic Peninsula area and this was the first time we've been able to explore one of them.  We were hesitant to drive too far, not because of the drive, but we were more afraid we'd loose the sunshine!  Weather patterns are strange around here and it can quickly go from a bright shiny day to overcast and rainy.

Anyways, we first picked a park that was a wetland preserve in a place called Belfair.  We thought London would really like it because there were ospreys, eagles and other wildlife around.  Alas, once we arrived, Stevie quickly figured out that you weren't allowed dogs in the preserve.  Bummer.  So we had our pic-nic lunch and then proceeded on to another park another few miles down the road.

Twanoh (Native American for "gathering place") is a beautiful state park on the Hood Canal.  On one side you can walk along the shore sidestepping over oysters, clams and other tasties.  Stevie was most intrigued by this, and even more so when he found out that oyster season is open right now.  Of course we had no equipment, and more importantly no permit, with us.  We might have to investigate this shellfish fishing and get on board!

Look at this giant starfish helping himself to clams and oysters

London thought he needed rescuing since he was half out of the water.

So after perusing the beach and basking in the sunshine, we crossed the road and headed off into the roads for an amazingly beautiful walk.  I was all geared up and excited about the hike, but after reading the message board and seeing this:

I have to say I was a little hesitant.  I mean I thought I only had to deal with bears, but now cougars too???  Needless to say we told the kids to stick close to us and OK'd the use of noise.  They're very good at that anyways. :)  The hike was moderately difficult and had us all (except Cannon whose internal temperature control is all messed up) shedding clothes and puffing and panting.  But then we reached the summit and the downhill wasn't so tough.

Look at the size of that tree!

Hard to tell, but these were trees growing out of the base of another fallen tree.

What can I say???

He was actually in trouble for not walking well on the leash, but he looks pretty happy!

See, I went on the walk too.

The scenery is stunning and I love to drink it all in, I'm just happy to report that a cougar siting was not on my list of nature finds for the day!

These moss draped trees are so beautiful, especially with the light coming from behind.