"Dunes are classified by their shape, which is a function of sand and topography interacting with the wind. Sand particles begin to move when wind velocity reaches about eleven miles per hour."
—D.J. Waldie in the entry "Dune" from Home Ground: Language for an American Landscape, edited by Barry Lopez and Debra Gwartney, page 117
One week ago today, the atmosphere of Ocean Shores changes. The wind quiets until it approaches stillness. The temperature drops below freezing. In the early morning, I climb into the Clam Castle hot tub. The contrast of the 101 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the water with the chill of the dunes and their standing water, now frozen, is soothing. I relax as I watch woodsmoke puff from a nearby house's chimney.
The rest of the day is spent walking the beach with the immediate and extended family. We look at the snow covered Olympics to the northeast. We splash about in the waves. We wander. We explore. We return to the warmth of our temporary home.
I nap. I awake to a quiet house, where most of the children are also napping and most of the adults have left for a casino visit. I take pictures of the sun as it sets over the sea. I take pictures of Sasha, the dog who does not like her picture taken. I play with the child and the nephew.
We eat dinner. We ready the children for bed. The adults plays board and card games until midnight. Then we ourselves retire, but not before the wife and I take another dip in the hot tub, the chill of the ocean and dunes kept at bay for another short while. Then comes slumber and its attendant dreams...
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