Penguins roam more of the planet than just the frozen North and South. "I read that a single Humboldt Penguin was seen off the Washington Coast in 1985, but I hope to be the next to see one," opined a winter time guest. So we named Cottage #7 "Plucky Penguin" in hopes one shows up soon.

Set in a cluster of just eight cottages, just back from State Route 105, there is a handy beach through the dunes and directly onto the Grayland Beach. There you can watch the sunset, jump the waves, build a bon fire and let your dog race up and down. These are not fancy beach villas but small classic beach cottages, recently updated.

Each Cottage comes complete with linens, towels a full kitchen including plates, flatware, pots and pans. There is a TV in every cottage and we provide a DVD player too. (Sorry no cable here.) But maybe that is best because you'll want to slow down, smell the salt air and relax like you just can't do at home.

In certain seasons you can dig for those rascally razor clams that people rave about. We'll even loan you a clam gun (shovel) and give you tips on where to look and how to dig.

There is easy parking close to your cottage and we have some outside amenities too including a barbecue and outdoor furniture. Sit around the fire pit and night and tell fibs about all those clams you dug.