I may be dating myself a teensy bit with that title:) Whatever...

Anyway, if you were on the beach a month ago and returned this past week you might notice a huge difference in your ability to navigate our rocky shores. With more sunshine and more warmth, the seaweeds are thriving and blooming all over the beach now. It makes things a lot more slippery for sure. 

We are always on the lookout for interesting animals, but please don't forget the glorious seaweeds. We have hundreds of species here with an incredible array of forms and textures. Ever hear of Nori? You know, the seaweed your crispy snacks are made out?  Maybe you you know it from the sushi rolls you like to eat? Nori is one of our local species found on the beach. That bumpy, red stuff that looks like octopus skin? That is Turksh Towel seaweed. It contains carrageenan, an ingredient you might be familiar with if you use toothpaste or eat ice cream. 

Pictured above are Succulent Seaweed, also known as Sea Noodles and Rockweed. Both are edible. Succulent seaweed is one of my favorites- it is mild, crunchy, salty and delicious. In order to harvest seaweed on our local beaches, you need to purchase a permit from the Washington Fish and Wildlife department. From everyone I have spoken with, it seems that seaweed harvesting around our inner city beaches might not be the best idea due to pollutants in our waters. It is unclear how much of those pollutants the seaweeds hold on to. 

So, around Seattle, I prefer to observe, admire and photograph.