Camping in Westport

Sometimes you just gotta’ get outta’ dodge.  The weekend before I had to report back to school for teacher meetings Adam, Eila, Zoe and I exchanged our condo in Puyallup for a tent near the beach.

Get me out of here!  I want to play in the sand!

Just a few hours drive to the West found us at Twin Harbors State Park near Westport, Washington.  While our last minute plans didn’t land us a camping spot super close to the beach, when the campground was quiet you could still hear the waves crash on the beach.

Having only escaped after Adam got off of work, we arrived at the campground with just enough light to get the tent up and hike to the beach.  It was a gorgeous evening for Eila’s first glimpse of the ocean.  

Eila’s first trip to the ocean!  (I made sure to turn around so she could see the waves, too).

As peaceful as our evening picture appeared - it was just a few short moments later that Eila decided she was NOT a fan of sleeping in a tent and proceeded to wail through most of the night.  The temperature plummeted and we all awoke a bit bleary eyed.

Sure, NOW you’re happy to be in the tent!

All cuddled up...can I have breakfast, now?

As usual, Daddy Adam came to the rescue by braving the cold and getting the camp stove roaring and making hot chocolate and oatmeal while mom huddled inside trying to catch a few more winks.  

I’m a hungry bunny! 

It’s just too cold for fragile little pugs like me!

As the sun rose and the day progressed, it became blissfully warmer.  Following a quick jaunt into Aberdeen to get the Subaru’s flat tire light examined, we packed up the girls and headed to the beach. It was a beautiful afternoon - but the wind was positively blustery.  Our cute little pop up tent didn’t last long in the gale winds, but Zoe was still able to take off and enjoy the dunes.  The beach is one of the rare places she still remembers how to be a frolicking puppy.

Hold on everyone!

The wind wasn’t great for beach bumming, but it’s great for kite flying!

Eventually wandered off the beach and into town to enjoy and DELICIOUS seafood meal.  Don’t tell the doctor, but even Eila got to try clam chowder.  We plan to bring Papa Kay and NomiAnn back in November if the weather permits.

She was a BIG fan!  This gal’s got fine tastes.

 Back at the campsite - we had some time for “hanging around”.

Thank goodness for talented dads who know how to lasso a tree for Jenny Jump-Ups!

 Dinner was chicken brats, baked beans, and fruit.  Once again, Eila ate very well.

Easy to see where Eila gets those chubby cheeks!

In an attempt to stall for time (and night fall) we took an evening stroll back to the windy water to enjoy the Westport Lighthouse.

Don’t lean too far back, Eila! 

The entire state was under a burn ban at all State Parks due to the unusually dry summer conditions.  This meant no campfires and, more importantly, NO MARSHMALLOWS for scores!  Unacceptable on every level to camp without the traditional delicacy - we resorted to gas fired sugar bombs.

Flaming beauty.

 I wish I could report that Eila slept much better night two - but the truth is that she made her opinion of sleeping while camping quite clear.  We packed up camp bright and early the next morning in an attempt to escape before any of our fellow campers could equate the previous night’s bawling with our little quartet.  Don’t worry - both Eila and Zoe caught up on their sleep within minutes of our departure.

Happy trails to us all!

Adam had to turn up the radio to hear over the snores from his passengers.