Just a quick update for all who chimed in on this post:
We loved Huntington Beach! We had a great time and will be going back soon! Things we learned: Four nights is NOT enough :) The mosquitos will carry you if you get tired of walking :) It CAN rain even when the sun is shining :) And Comet cleaner keeps ants out of your rig :)
Our trip was amazing! We got pictures of the Spoonbill and the Painted Bunting. I got a picture of an alligator who was sunning only a few feet from my feet! We got to watch the inventory of a turtle nest. We got caught on the beach during a downpour and enjoyed the moment! We cooked over the fire. (There are grates on the fire rings :) ) We walked down the causeway, toured Atalaya, and walked the boardwalk out over the marsh. We saw so much wildlife! We sat and enjoyed the peacefulness of the ocean. Most of all, we spent time with our kids, and nothing is better than that!
A few things about the park were a little annoying, but the good very much outweighed the bad. Half of the campground needed to be mowed...Luckily our spot was one of the good ones. Had we been in one of the others, I would've been a little upset. The weeds were knee high on many campsites. The fire rings were completely full of ash, and our site was far from level. However, none of these things were deal breakers. Just mildly annoying. Again, the good far outweighed the bad!
The beach was very clean and unspoiled. The bath houses were clean and in descent shape. The park was very easy to find, easy to get into and out of, and well staffed. The number of things to do and see at the park really made me wish we could stay another week! We were blessed with almost perfect weather as an added bonus! We showed up early (Sunday night but our reservation was for Monday) knowing there were several available sites. We had a little trouble getting in early at first, but the ranger was about 16 and brand new. Luckily, the boss was able to help us out and got us in.
Overall, it was a great trip! We thank all of you so much for helping us prepare for it! We can't wait to go back!!!
