Walking along a beautiful forest trail to emerge at a great beach during low tide is pretty much my favourite outing with kids. It has all the ingredients needed for a good time - trees, sticks, dirt, driftwood, rocks, water, sand, shells and creatures. All those "loose parts" that lend themselves to exploration, imaginative play and wonder. There are wide open spaces to run in, and cozy little crannies for hiding. There are places to dig and things to dig with. There are items to toss and treasures to find. Whole universes to explore and stories to invent.
Well, that old reliable formula came through once again. We had a great time at Seal Bay Nature Park last weekend with the Family Nature Club. We walked, and ran, on the beach trail down to the shore. The tide was way out and offered up all kinds of surprises: a profusion of purple starfish, aggregate sea anemones, tiny sand dollars and great big crabs. One was a momma with a giant egg sack. Too cool!
There was plenty of running, climbing, poking and playing. There was even a driftwood fort to claim and conquer. Sure there were a few pairs of wet feet, but that's the cost of having fun. It was a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon and welcome in the first day of spring.
My heart was happy and proud to see my oldest, who earlier that day informed me he didn't want to go on any stupid walk, wandering ecstatically through the woods enrapt in some story of adventure. He didn't want to come home. Just about a perfect day! Thanks to all of you who joined us.
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