THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE ... OR NEARLY SO!!

For a mere $5 ... the cost of entry (per car) to our local state park, plus a relatively negligable amount for gasoline ... even at nearly $3 per gallon ... because the park is 2 miles or so from our house ... we had a wonderful family outing today! While it is true that the ocean is only about 4 blocks or so from our house, and generally free to explore, we decided that today we'd do something a little extra special for our beach outing. The beach area within the confines of the state park contain jetties ... which themselves harbor sea creatures at times. We decided to explore the jetties and see what creatures we might find! Well, no creatures were spotted at the jetties themselves, but during their swim time in the ocean, the kids reported sightings of sea turtles, jellyfish and an Octopus! Suffice it to say ... and you can see by the pictures ... we had a TERRIFIC TIME ... for ALMOST NO COST! Plus a little sunburn to go around ... but it was worth it!

During other outings we have seen stingrays, dolphins, manatees, fish of various kinds, fiddler crabs, and other "creatures of the deep"! So our advice: if you live near the beach, take advantage of the natural and free (or nearly free) wonders that await you simply by stepping out your door and going a few paces (more or less!). And if you don't live near the ocean ... take advantage of whatever nature has to offer in your area! A GOOD TIME NEED NOT COST AN ARM AND A LEG! And if your children complain because you are not taking them to the latest and greatest of entertainment venues ... trust me ... take a look at these pics ... and take them to see what nature has to offer! THEY WILL HAVE A GREAT TIME!!