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Outing to Richmond Beach

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This sun-soaked beach, 20 minutes north of the northern end of Seattle, has three parking areas, starting from the top of a hill with a sweeping view of the Puget Sound, ending on the lowest level nearest to the beach and public bathrooms, with a level in between, and stairs connecting all three. There is a playground between the middle and lowest parking lots, on a hillside that is part of a restoration project and hence not to be walked on, although confusingly, foot-trails can be seen criss-crossing through it. We went on a sunny weekday during the summer vacation, parking was abundant, and small groups of people were strewn about the park enjoying a relaxing afternoon out, some sunbathing on the grass near the upper levels, more heading straight for the beach, and most enjoying the beach in some way or other. My children spent a fun 30 minutes on the playground playing an imaginative game. I found it the exposed hillside too hot, and escaped to the shade under a tree on the low

Trip to the Olympic Peninsula, May 2019

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Map of road trip We came from Singapore 3 years ago to live in Seattle; and throughout our time as a family, even before our move, outdoor time has been important to me, the mother, while indoor time has been important to my husband AND our three boys. Balance is the key , though I have always faced a challenge in getting the family out of the house. Sadly I find inadequate joy in exploring the outdoors on my own, and hence have always felt compelled to "drag" my boys out. Sorry, fellas! Our latest trip out was one to the Olympic Peninsula, and I shall chronicle our journey here. Memorial Day weekend was approaching, and my husband had a day off from work for the holiday, and his mother was staying with us. “Shall we take a trip?” I ask our boys. “Yes,” my oldest answered eagerly, “to Vancouver BC, where we shall eat to our hearts' content!” “Ooh, yummy!” says my husband, “but sorry, we are again under a no-travel advic