Mike & I are camping at Kitsap Memorial State Park near the town of Poulsbo along the Hood Canal in western Washington state this week. We set out to explore the park this afternoon.

First we walk straight out from the campground to a grove of trees along the bluff above the pebbly beach. Beautiful views of Hood Canal & the Cascade Mountains but it’s difficult to take a photo because all the trees are in the way!

Then we walk down a steep ramp to the beach (unfortunately, there are stairs at the end so anyone in a wheelchair can’t get all the way to the beach).

We walk along the pebbly beach. Pretty poppies bloom atop an old stone wall.

We duck under a dead fallen tree, walk under the pier, and skirt the buildings on the right (looking back the way we walked)…

…to this pier at Lofall Community Corporation (a private club for Lofall residents).

Although there’s a “Members Only” sign, we go in to check out the flock of birds in the water. Turns out to be Canada Geese with a Great Blue Heron watching over them.

Other birds seen in the area (clockwise from upper left): House Sparrow, Purple Martin, Pigeon Guillemot, Double-Crested Cormorant with a Canada Goose.

The view from Lofall of the Hood Canal is just so pretty.

The tide has risen when we’re ready to walk back. We have to walk quickly to get past the buildings that waves are now breaking against. My feet get a little wet but we get back safely.