Jarrel Cove Marine State Park, Mason County, Washington

I am IN LOVE with Washington State.  There, I said it.  What has it taken me so long to get here?!?  I could see myself living here.  We are looking to retire in Costa Rica, but after visiting here I told Hubby that Washington State has just claimed  the number 2 spot in my places to retire.  Maybe, just maybe we could get Ft. Lewis AFTER Korea.  (Hey big Army Gods....is anyone listening?  We want to be Six in Seattle next!!)

On our second day in Washington we stayed closer to Gig Harbor and headed out to hike one of the many, many state parks this area has to offer.  Jerrel Cove has 43 acres of forest and 3,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Harstine Island in the south Puget Sound.  (Thanks, Wikipedia!)   This is a FABULOUS place to take the family for a day of exploring and to absorb all the beauty Washington State has to offer.

Just getting started. Isn't it beautiful?!?

Critters...

C really adds a new element to our life here.....this picture is after he picked up a slug!  Again, I was laughing so hard.  Have you ever picked up a slug?  If so then you know slugs leave LOTS OF SLIME behind.  It is almost like blowing your nose on your hand, but WORSE!   C had to find water, but when he did it didn't help much.  Slug slime doesn't come off very easily.

In this next picture Boy 2 is trying to figure out how to put the slug in his pocket (Reminder:  when we hike the person to find the 'coolest' thing wins bragging rights till the next hike.)

He couldn't figure out how to put the slug in his pocket, but he did make a little bed for him:

Boy 2 showing his treasure to his Daddy & Grammy.

Grammy with her grandkids....I barely miss getting the fish that just jumped in the picture, but you can still see the ring in the water.

Another picture that makes me laugh out loud - for two reasons. #1 - doesn't Boy 1 look like Jimmy Neutron?  #2 - Hubby just put a little crab down Jimmy Neutrons shirt and now Jimmy Neutron is FREAKING OUT!   (Just for the record I think Jimmy Neutron is not only smart, but handsome!)

He became quite attached.....

Sorry, I had to throw in a nature shot...  I love these flowers.  What are they?

While looking over the edge of the docks we noticed a few treasures.....there were TONS and TONS of mussels.

 
And check out the anemone with the jelly fish hiding among them:

Hello sweet deer....thanks for letting us invade your space.

Until next time....

PS....in the end Boy 3 earned bragging rights.  Really, who could beat out a slug?