Leaving the Hood Canal right after sunrise was gorgeous. The sun peaked through the clouds and provided dramatic and moody views. We had almost reached our destination - Kingston, Washington during my shift when I heard over the radio, "cruising boat in the vicinity of Kingston you are about to run over our lines please alter course!" The voice caught my attention and I wasn't sure what they were talking about but something told me to answer the radio. "This Tidings of Joy." As I'm speaking I see two fisherman on the stern of their boat waving their arms at me. Jeff comes up to look at the scene. "Yes Tidings of Joy you are about to run over our lines turn your boat west." All of a sudden Jeff and I saw it at the same time the purse sein fishing line strewn across our direct path tied to the fishing boat. I got extremely nervous and began slowing the boat down and putting it into reverse. Jeff came up and took over. The current was pushing us forward at several knots and we came within inches of running over their line before Jeff was able to alter course. I was shaken. I pride myself on being a good mate and helm watcher. I'm constantly looking around and monitoring gages, radar and other boats. To have missed this long line right in our path was jolting. Jeff said with the sun shining at us it was hard to spot. Nonetheless it took awhile for my nerves to calm. The anxiety continued as we pulled into the marina and a boat was in our assigned slip. We were told we could take the yacht club dock which was sideway and at a weird angle. What choice did we have? Jeff somehow managed to slide the boat in flawlessly and we sat and took a deep breath. Fortunately Kingston was beautiful with it's charming one street town and vibrant fall foliage. After some composer we walked around town and Jeff got a cupcake and mini key lime pie and I got a vegan scone. All was well.
Pretty Trees Kingston
Weird Slip Kingston
Sunrise Cruise to Kingston
Funny Nomes Kingston
Almost to Kingston
Downtown Kingston
The next morning after a good nights sleep we decided to take a walk again. The town was just too cute. Also we had very important business to tend to - mailing our ballots. So we set out to see more of the town via neighborhoods, mail our ballots and head to the market for a few things. Fortunately this day was uneventful and we enjoyed a quiet evening watching the debate and football.
More Gorgeous Trees
Sunset Kingston
As the days moved along Seattle was creeping up in our minds. Just four more days until we got to our winter home. But today all thoughts were on the small craft advisory and gale warning that was coming at 10a.m. Our next destination Poulsbo was two hours away so we had to get up and out early in order to be tied up and safe before the big winds started. The cruise was choppy, windy and white cap filled but we managed to get secured just before the big blow hit. Fortunately despite the blow the sun was shinning and if you live in the Pacific Northwest that means you should go outside because who knows how long it will last. The wind made it so cold that I wore five layers and a winter hat and was still chilly. A quick lap around town and we were back on the boat blasting heat.
Entering Poulsbo
View From Boat Poulsbo Marina
Harold Hanging Out By Boat
Downtown Poulsbo
Cold Poulsbo Walk
Choppy/Windy Cruise
The next morning brought more cold temperatures (30's & 40's) and we staying in pjs and blasted the heat. Luckily we were there on a farmers market day. For some reason everywhere we've been during our west coast cruise we've managed to miss all the farmers markets. Fortunately today we were lucky. So once again we bundled up and headed out. The farmers market was small but Jeff managed to get some papusa's for lunch and I got some bread for happy hour plus a nice walk. As we headed back towards the boat we did a final loop through town and went into a Norwegian market which had all kinds of eccentric things like lutefisk and other interesting eclectic foods and goods. Two activities was enough for us and we made our way back to the boat for a rest and prepare for leaving in the morning.
Poulsbo
Another Cold Day
We woke up to sunny skies, freezing temperatures and no more small craft and gale warning so we hit the water. Our next stop Port Orchard we really didn't know much about. Jeff devised an itinerary based on a coherent circle towards Seattle. As we arrived we realized that this stop was going to be less then ideal. The docks were full of seal poop and waves crashed over the docks soaking everything. We quickly decided this was going to be a one night only stop but tried to make the most of it. We walked "town" which didn't have much of anything in it. A lot of closed business and boarded up facilities. It had an eerie creepy feeling about it too. Back at the boat I order some groceries from Instant Cart and got a few things done. Not much else to do.
Nasty Cold Front
Cruise to Port Orchard
Docked at Port Orchard
Downtown Port Orchard
For all the lack of charm and scenery Port Orchard possessed, Blake Island made up for it in stride. The cruise short and uneventful passing ferries and anchored freighters but no drama like cursing to Kingston. We were one of the first boats to arrive at the State Park Island and had our choice of docks. After tying up were quickly greeted by a ranger who got us all checked in for the night. Blake Island has nothing on it except deers, hiking trails and an old Native American building where before covid they used to put on shows and serve dinner. We threw on our tennis shoes and went out to explore. The hiking trails were gorgeous tree lined and water surrounded and we were both happy to be somewhere beautiful.
Native American Building - Blake Island
Cruising with the Ferries
Passing an Anchored Freighter
Shipwreck on Hike- Blake Island
Blake Island State Park Marina
Deers Blake Island
Hiking Trail
Docked Blake Island
Almost Home
Trail Blake Island
Hiking
There She Is
Hiking View
Prior to our cruise up to the Pacific Northwest we came to Seattle during my spring break for a visit and to get the lay of the land and decide where we wanted to base ourselves. We took ferry rides between islands and did a lot of exploring. One of the places we went via ferry was Eagle Harbor. Of all the places we visited this was the only one that I remembered. The one street town was lined with cute shops and a great health food store that I scoped out. We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the marian and we could totally picture ourselves being here for awhile. Well today brought us full circle back to Eagle Harbor but this time via our own boat. We were both really excited. The cruise was short- only about an hour and the City Dock provided nice guest moorage on a first come first serve basis. After a quick tie up we hit the town. We saw all the same shops and even returned to Doc's for a good take out lunch which we ate alone on community tables and chairs facing the marina just as we did the year before.
Eagle Harbor City Dock
Sunset From Stern
The next day like most of our second days in places brought on a very slow morning for lounging around and reading. Finally in the afternoon we decided to stretch our legs and see the town one last time. There was a nice nature path right in front of the marina we took that lead us to the other side of town and a different perspective then we had the previous day. Jeff found Mora's ice cream and we sat outside while he ate a sundae. I was going to miss this town but felt good that it's just a short cruise from Seattle and we can come back whenever we want. Jeff got fish and chips for dinner that claimed to be "the best fish and chips in Seattle" despite being in Eagle Harbor and they lived up to their claim. Early to bed for us because the next day we would finally be heading to Seattle.
Nature Walk to Town
Evening Sailing Club
