Last week, I drove to the coast to enjoy our spate of unseasonably warm weather. If one lives in the metropolitan areas of Puget Sound, just hop on I-5 and exit in Olympia to get on the highway to the coast. There will be plenty of signage. When I say “coast,” I mean the far western coastline of the state. There is the northern coastline as well, but that is a different travel route. This particular day I visited Westport. One of the state’s most popular wineries is located just outside the city along the main highway (105) that connects Aberdeen to Raymond. This is a must stop, even if you don’t drink. They have lots of beautiful gifts and a restaurant that serves great, main meals and desserts, and they are open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stroll the grounds and admire the many gardens and local artwork displays.
While in Westport, visit the marina, which is their main tourist hang-out spot. There is a strip of shops, eateries, a maritime museum, and other tourist offices that offer the visitor choices of souvenirs, gifts, and food. If you like seafood, you can’t get it any fresher, here!
While strolling about the marina strip, I could hear what sounded like seal barks in the distance. I got in my car and drove to the other end of the marina, where I found out where the barking was coming from. Out on some floats were about a hundred sea lions basking in the sun and vying for spots on the floats. What a raucous they were making! I took lots of video and photos of them. Here’s a few snapshots I hope you will enjoy!
On a clear day, one can view the snow covered Olympic Mountains from the marina. I seagull entered the picture, at the last second.
Here’s a Western Grebe hanging out around the floats.
All photos property of Peggy A Thompson
northwestphotos 
They look quite relaxed.
Know what you mean. The barking of the sea lions can be heard for miles!