When the author was curious about Crystal Cove, she drove there with her sister and children to explore the tide pools. They hiked down to the beach in bathing suits and sun protection to look for sea creatures like starfish and anemones. As the tide went out, they discovered pools filled with crabs, mollusks and fish. The author and her sister played in the waves like children until they were tired and sun-dried. They explored the tide pools until the water returned, then sat wondering about what was under the waves.