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Port Townsend
Click on photos to enlarge
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| Point Wilson Lighthouse, 1879, at Fort Worden SP |
This continues from La Conner.
On the ferry to Port Townsend, our westy is the last
car to board ship. A last check: the
parking brake is set, and
the tranny is in “park“, since the
propeller-churned waters of
Puget Sound are only a few feet behind.
As the ferry draws slowly away, we climb the narrow stairs to
the top deck. Outside the wind blows unimpeded, and one can
see the faint lights of Port Townsend in the distance.
It’s a clear starry night. As the ship rolls gently in the swells, we
get a edge of the world feeling one only experiences on the sea.
Docking in Port Townsend, it’s almost 11 p.m., and we drive into
Fort Worden State Park. On the wooded west loop, we find a
campsite, and make ourselves homey.
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| Washington State Ferry, Keystone to Port Townsend |
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| Fort Worden State Park set on a bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet, with Olympic mountains. |
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| One of the numerous public docks in town center. |
Port Townsend, Washington’s Victorian Seaport, with its
maritime history, has a diversity of people and mellow ambiance.
There are more funky VW buses and vanagons here per
square
foot than anywhere else.
Restored 19th century homes and town center reflect the
pride of the community.
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Ann Starrett Mansion, Victorian Bed and Breakfast, built in 1889. |
It’s a fun place, and there’s plenty to discover.
One can rent a kayak or bring your own, to paddle along the
scenic shoreline and protected waters.
Strolling along the historic marina, there are many shops restoring
and
crafting wooden boats in the turn-of-the-century tradition.
A family of river otters often frolic on the docks outside the
Otter Crossing Cafe.
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| Point Hudson Marina dates back to mid-1800s. Once served as port-of-entry to sailing ships from all over the world. |
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| The Wooden Boat Festival is held here every September. | |
| Town center is packed with small galleries, hand-crafted folk art shops, and cafes. One of our favorites, Bread and Roses bakery, is housed in a restored Victorian, with outside patio seating, overlooking a beautiful courtyard with flowers and fruit trees. |
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| Water Street, main downtown street of Pt.
Townsend, with turn-of-the-century brick buildings. |
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| Musicians giving a free concert on Water Street. |
There is a choice of campgrounds for VW bus campers:
Old Fort Townsend SP, Point Hudson CG, Fort Worden SP,
and if those are all filled up, there’s always space at the County
Fairgrounds CG.
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Free day use at Fort Worden. |
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Small castle on the hill in Fort Worden. As the story goes, it was built by a groom for his future bride. By the time the castle was finished, she left him for another man. |
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In Fort Worden State Park (with over 400 acres), one can spend days exploring the miles of sandy protected beaches, Point Wilson Light House, and trails on Artillery Hill, site of the historic gun mounts, and restored Officer's quarters. |
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