We weren’t the only ones who decided that on this beautiful day, it was necessary – no, imperative, really – to take our lunch break down at Alki Beach. We opted for a sandwich and coffee from Pioneer, but these young ladies had a better idea: gather your people, pack a lunch and swing your feet down at the seawall.

Alki, quiet for so much of the year, is transformed into something startlingly like a California beach town once the sun comes up and we can shed the Goretex and polar fleece. Expect to find us there a lot more frequently now that – FINALLY – summer has arrived.