Sunday, September 4, 2011

Cannon Beach and fishy jail

We've decided to be "lazy" this weekend. Yesterday we took a quick day trip down to Cannon Beach and it's ugly stepsister neighbor, Seaside. Ashley and Davey love the beach. Ashley asked why I forgot their swimsuits. That water is COLD! As in, you will develop frosbite and quickly lose your limbs, COLD. Nevertheless, Ashley and Davey loved wading in it, splashing, running, and occassionally falling down in the artic waters. I enjoyed running away from the waves, terrified my toes might get wet (and then fall off). Where on earth do west-coasters go to actually swim? Cold water aside, Cannon Beach is beautiful. The rocky outcroppings are beautiful, Haystack rock is particularly impressive. The sea life is very cool to see. The starfish there are HUGE. There were mounds of giant purple and orange starfish clinging to all the rocks.

After our beach adventure, we walked back up to the town (very pretty with lots of fun shops). We ate lunch at the creperie (1st crepes since Paris). We topped off Cannon Beach with some delicious ice cream.

Our next stop was Seaside, one of Jason's co-workers said we had to go to the aquarium. First of all, Seaside should be called "Sadside". The town was uber-depressing. Very tacky compared to Cannon Beach. Maybe that should have given us a heads-up for the aquarium. The next clue was the cheap admission. Kids were free. First up we fed the seals. These poor seals were kept in a tiny little area, and they did tricks for food. Ashley loved it, Davey was scared, and I felt sad for the seals. Next we entered the aquarium. It was one room, and dark. They had a decent assortment of fish, and a large variety of starfish. There were two touch tanks, and no signs to wash your hands afterwards. Yuck. We washed our hands about one million times, because that's how many times we went back to torment the starfish and sea anemones in the touch tanks. We had a hand sanitizer party when we were done! NC aquariums have clearly spoiled us.

All in all, the kids had a blast and so did we. It is so much fun watching Ashley and Davey explore and experience new things. Will swimmable water win over starfish next summer? Who knows.

Ashley's favorites: soft sand, starfish, and feeding the seals
Davey's favorites: starfish and the octopus

Next up: Mt St Helens. Pray for no volcanic activity tomorrow!

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