Windy at Willard

Sander, Milena, Charlie, and Dylan explore the rocks

    

    Willard Beach is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach located in South Portland.  Although not as far-reaching and grand as some of its neighbors - Crescent Beach State Park or Old Orchard Beach- Willard Beach has become one of our favorites since a friend introduced us to the location last summer.  There is something there for everyone! 

          For our Monday Muddy Toes meet-up, we met at low tide.  Beaches at low tide allow children to fully engage with the coastal environment and provide ample opportunities to explore tidal pools, climb seaweed laden rocks, and follow the paths of water meandering back to their ocean home.  

Sander experimenting with the flow of water

        A few people were inquiring about a good place to locate information on tides.  If you are interested, check out Maine Harbors' tide charts at http://me.usharbors.com/maine-tide-charts. High tide at Willard is equally beautiful, however, be aware that there is very little "beach" for exploring with little ones. 

Charlie and his razor clam

Nola showing Alexander her collection of the day's treasure

        Maine can be unpredictable and sometimes not even a favorable weather forecast can guarantee some sunshine!  Although we were met with a whipping wind and a layer of clouds, the kids were enjoying their surroundings with no complaints; fearlessly stomping in the pools of water, effortlessly conquering the large rock outcrop at the beach's entrance, and wildly searching for unique rocks and shells.  

       They scoured the beach in search of a few common local species:  blue mussels, razor clams, whelks, periwinkles, limpets, and clams.  A few found live clams which generated some wide smiles and a few gleeful "Look what I found!"  

Nola - Treasure Hunter

        We were even able to find some periwinkles and red chitons effortlessly clinging onto rocks and upon lifting the kids were amazed to see that there were really animals in there! As parents, we shared a few pictures of what species to look for but made sure to step back and let the kids guide their own learning through discovery. 

        Eventually, the wind ceased and we walked along the beach toward Fort Preble.  During low tide you can access the fort by traversing the rocks up to the fort and during high tide there is a walkway directly leading to the fort that can be accessed by any of the beach's upward staircases.  Once at Fort Preble, you are only a short walk away from Spring Point Lighthouse.  Dylan always loves walking out to the lighthouse-even though I make him hold my hand along the quick, rocky path- and says it is like walking on water due to the path extending outward from the land. 

Alexander - King of the Mountain

             On Monday, we didn't make it all the way down to the fort.  About 100 feet in front of the fort sit two large, irresistible rocky outcrops that lured in our adventurers.  Our preschoolers were transformed into brave climbers; balancing on the uneven surfaces, hiding from "bad guys" within the crevices, and taking in the view of Fort Levett from the top of the "mountain".  

Claire balancing on the rocks

        Before heading home for the day the kids played for a few more minutes on Willard Beach's small playground using up every last bit of energy they had left.  The drive home was quiet; very, very quiet.

Alexander and Dylan:  Friends taking a rest

Claire

        

          A special thank you to everyone who braved the wind on Monday for our meet-up!  For me, it felt good to get out and made me hungry for Spring!  For those of you we missed, I hope your Monday was filled with smiles as well.   Onward to future adventures!