Ocean

Tide Pools

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You see people on TV and in movies exploring these beautiful rocks crusted with sea life. I am absolutely fascinated by sea life. I have a very strong fear of it too, but, I’m in awe none-the-less. I remember falling in love with the idea of mermaids after seeing Splash! with Darryl Hannah. I wanted to BE a mermaid! I wanted to explore the depths of the ocean and make friends with whales and dolphins.

I remember as a kid, when we would go swimming I’d dive under water and kick my feet together mimicking a tail. Makes me realize I don’t think I was afraid of the water my whole life, so now I get to run down that dark alley to figure that out, LOL.

Okay! – ONWARD – to brighter things and new adventures!

Suffice to say – Me, living in the middle of the continent about as far away from ‘anything ocean’ as you can get, had no ounce of hope that she would ever see things like that except at a zoo.

I think what made this experience even better, was that I was able to see them with my sister and my husband. I am not sure either of them quite understand how much value I place on new experiences, much less the value I place on being able to share those experiences with the people I love.

New Experiences are pivotal to learning and expanding your mind. It doesn’t matter if the experience was good or bad, lived up to your expectations or didn’t. There are always small lessons learned in every new experience. By sharing these with others, it creates a new connection with them, a new memory, and many new lessons that they often won’t realize they have learned until the need arises. To me, its magical! Watching their faces as they experience the same thing I am but in their own way.

Wow! Sorry! This got deep! But – Lets share the amazing tide pools we got to experience at Beach 4 in Washington.

On this trip we also hit up Ruby Beach. Unfortunately, no tide pools here, but it was still a fantastic visit. As everything in Washington – it was beautiful.

** Please forgive the bad pictures as it was fairly dark out when we got there.
** Click an image to view full screen or comment an image.

Videos

Sea Night Life

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The Puget Sound Estuarium was hosting a Pier Peer. This would be a great way to see more sea life and get a close look at things. Probably not a smart thing when I already fear everything that is in the water. (Thalassophobia is a b!tch!)

This was absolutely neat and weird at the same time. Enthralling and had me very anxious waiting for Bruce to come chomp on us.

Bruce

Yes, logical me knows that this isn’t going to happen. Bruce was just playing his part. It’s not his fault that hollywood turned him in a monster. Bruce just needed a dentist and some cuddles and no one would listen.

….. Welcome to my head.

Anyways. We did Pier Peer when my sister was visiting. It was super neat to see the things that you could easily find in the water. Sea slugs – those things are pretty and I really wanted to pet them. [My fear says if I pet them they will blow up to 50 times their size and bite my arm off. I think I just need to name my fear… Liz? Tony? Zosia! I like it. Now lets see if I remember it. Zosia needs to die. That bitch is just absolutely unreasonable. )

We even seen a little jelly fish of some kind. I believe they were having a hard time identifying it. But it was super cool! Some baby fish, crabs. The Estuarium had underwater drones they were running.

There were scoops that we were provided to scoop up water and check for sea life. As we found things we would put them in containers so we, and others, could look at what was found. It was a very chill outing.

If you ever get to experience this. Please do! It is so much fun!

Dragon Boats

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I can’t say I expected this to end up on here. I knew what dragon boats were. But, with my accepting my fear of the things in the water, this really wasn’t even a thought.

The opportunity came up! I kept going back and forth – “It’s a new experience” , “It’s in the ocean”, “How scared are you REALLY of the ocean”

…… imagines boat tipping over and hands reaching up to pull me under …..

“Yes! I’m scared of the ocean! but…. are you going to let that get in the way of you trying something new? “……. pause for dramatic effect…… “NO!” — “Hi! Can I sign up for the Dragon Boats?”

A ship we seen when we were out on the water! FRIGGEN COOL!
A ship we seen when we were out on the water! FRIGGEN COOL!

Yeah… We went on a short ride before we even got on the boat! There was a bit of a wait before loading up. When we came back to check the time, there were some people that hadn’t shown up so I was bumped up and was able to ‘strap in’ for my new experience.

I’m going to pause here for a brief moment to provide a HUGE “THANK YOU” to a certain archivist that told me about the free boat rides. They also were the drummer on said ride, keeping us rowing on pace.

Walking down the pier towards the boat and water, I kept staring at the water, waiting to see something that was going to make me change my mind. Nope! Nothing stopped me! I still got in. Awkwardly as I do.

Almost used the seat to step down into the boat and was promptly corrected. (Good thing, Girl has packed on some unwelcome weight and I don’t need to be breaking boats!)

Things I learned on my dragon boating experience

  • Weight is a huge factor in being able to balance the boat properly. Moving people around to ensure that weight on the left and right side of the boat is as equal as possible.
  • Dragon boats can be wobbly MF’ers
  • Paddling behind a kid makes keeping rhythm challenging (but he was super cute and could tell he was trying)
  • Paddling to the beat of a drum is therapeutic and relaxing
  • Getting OUT of a dragon boat is much easier than getting in
  • The person at the way back of the boat steers
  • It’s beautiful when everyone is in sync
  • I REAAAAAAALLY need to get some of this weight back off!

I really enjoyed the experience. I would absolutely do it again. There was a short moment of wobbly boat as we were turning around that gave me moment of pause… okay more than pause… but we didn’t tip over and I know I’d be fine if we did, I would just be working to get away from the creatures of the deep dark ☺

Lots of First at the Pacific Ocean

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I’m amazed at how much I find water fascinating and yet I am terrified of it and everything in it. My imagination runs wild with all kinds of things that I could step on, kick, encounter etc.  I have been embracing the thalassophobia and enjoying the views and smells instead. 

The Pacific Ocean, at least, for where we were, is quite chilly. Bring a sweater! But it was very cool as I was able to cross several things off the list of new experiences today.

Drove a vehicle on the Beach – Okay – so technically I didn’t drive it. Amaia and Don did. But, I was there! I’ve only ever seen this happen in movies. I’m expanding my horizons damnit! Its amazing what you think only happens in movies and to others is just normal everyday living.

Seen a living Sand dollar – Amaia had been searching for a sand dollar that wasn’t broken. The beach was full of decimated crab and sand dollar. She had found this one and when she was showing me it kept glistening oddly. I realized it was alive and that its little feet/feelers were moving. Never thought I’d ever see a living sand dollar, and while it wasn’t on the intentional list, I will absolutely take this as a win.  The sand dollar was not harmed and they were placed back in the water where she had found it.

  • Seen ‘Wild’ Crab (Albeit dead, they were still from the wilds of the ocean, lol )- This was pretty wild. The size of crab were crazy and they were all over the place. My husband is no small man and this crab looks huge even in his hands.
  • Seen Horse Back Riders on the Beach – I’ve had a dream of riding a horse on the beach for years. It seems like this is now something that is possible, though, not sure I’d want to do a “Group” ride.  I have some weight to lose first, regardless, as I cant see putting my hefty self on some poor horses back. Gallop down the beach and maybe kick up some water! Horse back riding in general just sounds amazing. For me, Not sure about the horse. I can’t imagine they enjoy being a vehicle for humans.

Made a drift wood sand turtle – When I was a kid we made a snow turtle in our back yard. We dug out the shapes on the back and everything. Somewhere – there is a picture of it. I’m just not sure where. I’ve seen others make driftwood art and thought it would be neat to do something with the many pieces of driftwood we found on the beach. I am not in the best shape. (round is a shape, I know) so I petered out a bit but, we gave it a shot!

A couple extra pictures because they are amazing. Especially the one where Amaia and Don are jumping and splashing in the puddles.

Videos

Whale Watching and so much more!

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For my Partners birthday we took advantage of having friends staying with us and spent a weekend in California. It was a fantastic weekend and so many firsts! It was great being able to experience all of this with him.

I’ve always thought whale watching was 5,000% out of my league. I’d never have a chance at seeing a whale. I grew up in the center of the North American continent. When I don’t think I’d see the ocean, the idea of ever being able to see a whale was laughable. 

My first chance at seeing a whale was part of Don’s birthday weekend.

I did not get a picture of every first but there are quite a few that I remember well enough. 

  • Visiting California – As much as I wanted to get it, I didn’t. The “Welcome to California” Sign. I think I got wrapped up over a view or something else. I honestly can’t remember. But, I’m sure it was like all the other “Welcome to [Insert State Here]” Signs.
  • Tried Swordfish – Couldn’t have been that amazing – because I barely remember this! Okay, actually I don’t remember it at all but it was on my list of firsts that I wrote down during this entire vacation. So – clearly I tried it. But…. eh….
  • Seeing the Pacific Ocean – I seen the Gulf of Mexico, and it was beautiful. This was beautiful. The time between seeing the two was so long that I wouldn’t be able to compare them at all. But, its the ocean. Its beautiful and disgusting and serene and scary all at once. It’s intimidating. This time, I didn’t go in the ocean. This time, I stepped in the ‘residue’ as the waves pulled back from the sand. I know its not a rational fear, but I didn’t reason my way into being afraid of the ocean, it’s challenging to try and reason my way out.
  • Going Whale Watching (No Whales) – Well this was an adventure. LOL .  Mainly because there were a lot of bumps and while the boat felt sturdy, I have know delusions about the power of the Ocean, its depths and how small a boat we were in. My husband said “We’re not far from shore, you can see it!” to which I replied “yeah, were not far when you are in a boat, Its a lot farther when you are swimming!” and then I promptly turned green.
  •  Seeing wild dolphins (large pod) – Seeing the pod of dolphins was fantastic. You could see them splash and hear them. They would dive under the boat and come up on the other side like a game. I could almost hear the adventure music that seemed fitting for their play time. This was also a really nice distraction from the Whale Watching ride.  I also seen a couple dolphins swim into the small canal by the hotel. We were right on the water and I had walked down to just watch the ocean and there were a couple zipping back and forth.
  • Seeing wild Seals/Sea lion – Bring a nose plug. These guys are STINKY! ☺ But highly entertaining, when they decide to move around. We were able to see these guys all over the place at Oceanside. We seen a few just outside the hotel, down the coast, while we were whale watching, at the walkway and all over. The walkway was the easiest to see them and if you ever get a chance, I highly encourage you to stay and watch. They have personality. They are goofy. They are little shits too! No – not because they shit – really, they are just dicks to each other! Pushing each other off the float, blocking them from coming back up out of the water, flopping down on each other.
  • Seeing Someone in a wet suit & Someone surfing – Yeah – Because – how the heck do you surf on a lake? And I have no idea why seeing someone in a wet suit is on this list. Its new, Just be glad I’m not blogging a new thing for every time I blow my nose… Each one of those kleenex tissues is “new” ya know! You could be reading about the journey of every sneeze into a “NEW” tissue!
  • Seeing someone paddle board – Well, Its not like I ever expected anyone to paddle board in the great lakes back in Wisconsin! Remember – I never thought I’d leave that place. And then when I finally get to – I move where water barely exists. If I had to pick a paddle boarder to see for the first time again, I’d choose this guy! This guy has the best life with his puppers and how brave he is to paddle board with fish bait to all the creatures that are just under foot.  Those cute puppers were spry too. moving about and then jumping off the paddle board. Cute as heck!
  • Seeing Beach ‘Coast Guard’ buildings – Why is this on my bucket list? Why is this even on my radar for a new experience? …………… T V …………… That’s why! I didn’t grow up where these existed. It was on Bay Watch. It was neat! I’ve never seen a beach with a building on it. I’ve never seen a beach with a life guard. I grew up in a place where the state says here is a lake – swim at your own risk – we don’t have you covered!  – If you are taking me serious right now – you really shouldn’t. Have you learned nothing yet while reading these blogs?  – But for real – the reason is Bay Watch and I lead a land locked life. 
  • OH!  There was a Coast Guard truck too! I didn’t get a picture because it was on our way out, BUT….. It was on the beach… Just like Bay Watch!  I always thought it was made up yuppy fantasy stuff. Like – I wish I had enough money to spend on unnecessary things. I think I’m talking too much now because my whole point of why this was so neat to me is just making me sound really weird. Just … go to the next neat new thing for me! I’m sure there’s plenty more!

Videos

Snorkeling – (Kind of)

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I have been fascinated by water for as long as I can remember. From the shimmer of light on the surface or rippling water to the bottom of the oceans. It’s amazing the life that lives in water. Aaaaaand Terrifying. 

If you have read any of the other posts, its possible you came across me talking about my fear of water. Well, this is where I started to embrace my fear.  I have quite a few things about me that I would love to change. The fact that I’m stuck in my head 90% of the time is definitely one of them. Being stuck in my head has impacted my ability to just enjoy the experience quite a few times. Snorkeling in the Ocean wasn’t an exception. 

Clearly – based on the pictures I was extremely excited to go snorkeling. Knowing full well that the ocean scares me. I put on all the gear, did my cheesy pictures and had fun with it…. Then… I jumped into the ocean… That Vast Blue Beautiful Water that holds so many mysteries.. and Fish!

Of Course there’s fish in there. What the hell was I expecting, right?

So – here I am, all geared up and I jump into the ocean. All is well.. I’m trying out my flippers and I stick my head under the water to test out the seal on the snorkel and goggles. All good! Some minor adjustments and trying to swim over to Don. (He got in after me).  Lets take a look at whats around me. 

Here I go looking around under water and  I see vast wide open spaces of crystal clear water…. and…. Fish.. 

My head immediately goes Fish = Life = Crazy ass shit in the ocean = My ass is gonna get ate by some random as shark/whale hybrid that will swallow me hole and leave everyone else in perfect condition. That Sting Ray I seen is gonna git me! GET ME THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!……

Yes – Yes – ALL of that did go through my head in a matter of maybe 1/2 a second.  I quit swimming towards done and went back towards the boat. As calm as I could keep myself. (I’m pretty sure it wasn’t as calm as I was trying to present myself). The entire swim back to the boat ramp I was chanting to myself “Just keep swimming” Dory style with an internal mantra of ‘stay calm, you’re nuts’!

I finally get to the boat ramp, and slide myself up on it tearing up my leg a little bit as I go. Once I got up on the boat my leg was all bloody from the scrape I took. 

And THIS is where I decided to embrace my chicken shit and accept that – I might love water, but I dont want to be in it. 

See the Ocean

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 I have always been fascinated by water. How the light reflects off of it, catching the sun, or our reflections. The ripples, waves, splashes and spurts of water. 

I can remember moments as a kid at the public swimming pool and lowering my head so I’m more level with the water. I’d sit and watch the sun glint off the water and how the water reflected itself against the walls of the pool building. I even remember just listening to the sounds underwater and how they would change. 

I think my interest in water ultimately lead to my fear of it as well. I’ve seen so many strange things come from the ocean. I like my documentaries. 

This one was ticked off with a few different items related to a flying for the first time and a birthday present from my mom and my boyfriend.  (I really couldn’t ask for a better husband!)

I remember my impression from seeing the ocean for the first time. Wow! And this covers a huge part of earth. Stretches out to different continents. People get lost out there. There’s no seeing land out in that distance. 

I also remember being in awe at the color of the water. Water in Wisconsin is brown. Like making tea with all of your tree leaves. Its the tannic acid in the tree leaves that give the lakes their merky brown. 

Shortly after getting in the ocean I remember seeing a school of trigger fish. Barely afraid of me. Swimming curiously around my arm and playing with the hair that floated with the waves. 

This was all at Caladesi Island in Florida. Our hosts, Uncle Scott and Leoma. It was an amazing visit, and I was able to check a few ‘firsts’ off this bucket list of mine. Some of my favorite memories are with these two!

One of my poor attempts at a sand castle as well. Making an epic sandcastle is on my list, but this certainly was not it. I recall Don saying it looked like a cake. Now all I can see is a carrot cate with cream cheese frosting and those little waxy chocolate shell molds. I will get a chance again. 

And here I go, rambling – 

So for the entertainment. This little shit right here.. Just below this text. These little assholes .. When someone tells you not to feed them. LISTHEN TO THEM. My cousin Ryan went down to Florida with us and he was kind enough to feed these starving sky rats. (Its not all bad – I love rats! ) They all came chasing me for more. That  – at the time wasn’t super funny – but really  – it was!