I spent the night and the next day shivering in my Long John’s near the campfire. A sorry sight indeed.
I also forgot that I had packed my spare (dry) clothes in the bottom of my pack. I was struggling with ADD back then and was often spacing out important details. I only noticed the clothes after I returned home and was unpacking.
Earlier camping trips included visiting the natural hot springs in the Olympic Mountains of WA. Skiing trips at Mount Rainier and Mount Baker.
There were a few camping trips that included my mother. We camped in the designated park area at Fort Warden. She preferred the comfortable surroundings of home for the most part.
One season, while on a beachside camping trip, in our small sailing skiff, my father raided a seagull nest for eggs. He fried them over the fire on an old steel barrel lid that he found washed up on the shoreline.
I experienced #Vanlife early on. My father had outfitted his old dodge van with a bed, wood stove, a gas cooker, and various other comforts of home.
We would sleep in the van when he went to craft shows like Best of the Northwest and to the Barter Fairs in Eastern Washington out near Tonasket, Yakima, and Omak.
Actually, I was born at the general hospital in Tonasket. Although my family eventually settled in Port Townsend, after their step van broke down, the sagebrush and scrub land was always a second home for me.
That’s it for today. Thank you for reading.
Questions and comments, please put them below, and have a great day.
If I were to summarize this thing, all I would have to say is that Port Townsend is the BEST. End of story.
Nestled at the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State lies the picturesque town of Port Townsend. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and unique Victorian architecture, Port Townsend offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience.
Let’s delve into what makes this charming town a must-visit destination.
A Historic Haven
Port Townsend’s history dates back to the mid-19th century when it was originally established as a seaport town.
Its strategic location on the Puget Sound made it a hub for maritime trade, and remnants of its maritime heritage can still be seen today in its well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and historic waterfront.
One of the town’s most iconic landmarks is the Port Townsend Historic District, which boasts over 50 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Stroll down the streets lined with ornate Victorian homes, browse the quaint shops housed in historic buildings, and immerse yourself in the town’s rich maritime history at the Northwest Maritime Center.
Sailing along the waterfront Sunset mountains
Natural Splendor
Beyond its historic charm, Port Townsend is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. From the rugged coastline of the Olympic Peninsula to the lush forests of Olympic National Park, outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.
Take a leisurely hike along one of the many scenic trails in the area, such as the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, which offers stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Enjoy a gentle amble through forest — with a dash of ravine, wetland and pasture — and on to sweeping views of Port Townsend Bay as this multi-use trail gently eases hikers, cyclists and equestrians down to the waterfront.
Photo by Kimberly Huntress Inskeep.
Or, for a truly unique experience, head to Fort Worden State Park, where you can explore abandoned military bunkers and enjoy panoramic views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Art and Culture
Port Townsend has long been a haven for artists and creatives, and its vibrant arts scene reflects this heritage.
The town is home to numerous art galleries, studios, and performance spaces, showcasing the work of local artisans and performers.
Victorian Style Homes
Be sure to visit the Port Townsend School of the Arts, where you can take workshops and classes in a variety of mediums, from painting and pottery to photography and fiber arts.
And don’t miss the numerous festivals and events held throughout the year, including the Port Townsend Film Festival, the Wooden Boat Festival, and the Kinetic Sculpture Race.
Culinary Delights
No visit to Port Townsend would be complete without sampling the local culinary delights.
The town boasts a thriving food scene, with an abundance of farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafes, and artisanal bakeries.
Indulge in fresh seafood straight from the waters of the Puget Sound, savor artisanal cheeses and chocolates from local producers, and sip on craft beers and wines from the region’s many breweries and wineries.
And be sure to check out the Port Townsend Farmers Market, held every Saturday from April to December, where you can sample the best of the region’s bounty.
Orca pod (killer whale)
Community Spirit
What truly sets Port Townsend apart is its strong sense of community. Despite its small size, the town is a vibrant and welcoming place, with a tight-knit community of residents who are passionate about preserving its heritage and fostering its cultural richness.
Whether you’re attending a local community event, volunteering with a local nonprofit organization, or simply striking up a conversation with a friendly local, you’ll quickly feel at home in Port Townsend.
In conclusion, Port Townsend, is a hidden gem of the Pacific Northwest, offering visitors a unique blend of history, natural beauty, arts, and culture.
Whether you’re exploring its historic streets, hiking its scenic trails, or indulging in its culinary delights, you’re sure to fall in love with this charming town.
So why not plan your visit today and discover all that Port Townsend has to offer?
I was born in the sagebrush dotted lands of eastern Washington in the town of Tonasket. My family, still navigating their way from the east coast, eventually brought their journey to an end on a jut of land extending out into the Puget Sound.
There, surrounded by water, sky, and mountains, I grew up. With each season an new adventure awaited.
Spring hikes along flowering trails of the Olympic Mountains, Summer sailing trips up through the San Juan Isles and British Columbia, in Fall beachcombing and cookouts, with Winter finishing the year skiing the slopes of Mount Rainier.
It is a difficult choice, choosing between beach or mountain. Like being asked which you prefer, mother or father? To choose one is to spurn the other.
This filial son offers a third choice: the sea.
The sea, its supple waters lapping at the beach, embracing the feet of mountains.
For myself the sea is life, it is love, it is home.
Fat Wallet Refugee 