Sheryl AnneAh, the smell of salt and sand. There is no elixir on this blessed earth like it – Joel Annesley
Today’s adventure takes me to a tranquil beach in Kitsap County along the Olympic Peninsula. Point No Point Washington is a picturesque, secluded beach with rugged natural beauty, a dramatic coastline, and a grand historic lighthouse. The beach is where I take refuge when life gets too hectic. It’s restorative. It renews. It refreshes. So, anytime I can break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I head to one of the Pacific Northwest’s abundant beaches for the revivifying benefits of vitamin “sea.”
More and more often, I feel the call of the seashore, and I’m only too happy to answer the call. Point No Point Lighthouse Beach in Hansville is one of my favorite beaches in Washington. When my children were young, their grandparents lived in the tiny beach town of Hansville, so trips to the beach were a regular occurrence. And though we spent countless hours on the private beach near my parent’s home, occasionally, we’d pack a picnic and explore the sandy shores of Point No Point.
Today, I’m joined by one of my dearest friends and adventure pals, Tina, for a morning on the beach. Although it is still early, the parking lot is full, and the beach is dotted with fishermen hoping to catch their limit of Chinook as they return to the Puget Sound. We’re mesmerized by the number of them, waist-high in the water, jubilant with glee as they feel the familiar tug of a mighty fish on the line.
It’s a windy morning, and the last of the fishermen depart, smiling brightly, buckets full, and ready to head home to prepare a seafood dinner or perhaps to fire up the smoker for fresh smoked salmon. In the early morning hours, the beach is peaceful and quiet, save for the call of an occasional gull and the gentle sound of the waves caressing the shore. I close my eyes and breathe in the salty air, feeling refreshed. This is my happy place.
One of the nice things about exploring with my bestie is that there are no rules. We exist in the moment, and spontaneity is our welcome sidekick. While Tina relaxes on a blanket, I wander down the beach, allowing the breeze to kiss my cheeks and the waves to tickle my toes. It’s not a particularly hot day for August, so my new swimsuit will remain covered by a cozy sweatshirt and joggers. However, the sand is warm, and the sky is a deep cerulean blue – perfection.
As I continue to explore the park, I stumble upon the lighthouse keeper enjoying the morning view. The writer in me is curious. I want to chat. I want to ask questions and take a photo or two. Our eyes meet, and I smile. He returns the gesture—nothing to see here. I was just heading to the restroom. The introvert in me has won once again. I silently scold myself and carry on with my walk (after taking a quick photo, of course). I’m pretty sure he knew and had a little chuckle to himself. He’s like the park celebrity in costume, looking perfectly the part.
Fortunately, Tina is the kind of friend who will encourage me to step out of my comfort zone. Together, we approached the lighthouse keeper and struck up a conversation. As it turns out, he was more than willing to answer my questions, take photos, and give us a brief history of the Point No Point Lighthouse.
Lou Noah is the Lightkeeper’s name, and he was friendly, approachable, and happy to accommodate my photo requests. Lou volunteers his time hosting tours and educating guests on lighthouse history, and he knows his stuff! During the sixties, Mr. Noah worked as the official lighthouse keeper for the Grays Harbor Lighthouse in Westport.
Since we were too early for an official lighthouse tour, we chatted for quite a while and even took a photo in front of the lighthouse. You can meet some fascinating people when you approach folks with kindness and respect.
It’s approaching lunchtime, and the snacks we’ve packed are nearly gone. Families are arriving with their little ones, rosy-cheeked and ready for a day of beach-combing and sandcastles. As we pack up our things, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to live in a place where such beauty exists.
If you’re looking for a great day trip away from crowds to escape and take in the beauty of one of Washington’s most serene and tranquil beaches, I highly suggest Point No Point Lighthouse Beach. Wander the shore, hike the surrounding trails, and breathe in the sea air. You won’t be disappointed. If you’re lucky, you might even get to tour the historic Point No Point Lighthouse (9009 NE Point No Point Rd, Hansville, WA 98340). For more information and hours, check out the Point No Point website.
Life is short. Get out and explore!
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