Wooden Boat Festival
One of my favorite annual events in the pacific northwest is the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival. This was my third year attending the festival and it did not disappoint. The ride along the Hood Canal is one of my favorites, a winding road following the canal though a few small towns, perfect scenic riding.
After the ride to Port Townsend and parking at the free lot I hoped on the shuttle bus down to the festival area. The entrance to the festival takes you though a marine wood working shop.
After the shop there is an area along the water with some absolute incredible hand made wooden kayaks by a man named Dave Lake. The inlay work on these is really something worth seeing in person. You can see more of his work on his website: https://www.kayaksbydavelake.com/
Around the corner form that area is the marina with the stars of the show. I was immediately taken aback by the commanding presence of the M/V Blue Peter. A 96 foot long Fan-Tail yacht built in 1928 at the Seattle Union Dry-docks.
Approaching her from the dock her size and classic Fan-Tail lines really come into perspective.
Stepping onto her deck you notice how solid her deck feels under your feet. Proceeding aft to the fan tail deck you feel the urge to kick back with a nice scotch, a cigar, and have some good conversation while watching the sun set.
Stepping into the salon feels like stepping back in time, the urge to just leave modern life behind and sail around the world is overwhelming.
Next I went up to the bridge, got to love the classic wheel and instruments.
Heading below deck to the five cabin suites you will find perfect nautical themed dressings and bathrooms with tile work that makes modern homes look cheap.
The galley is another impressive area, large dinning table, high end range and oven, lots of counter space, perfect for preparing delicious meals.
If you want to learn more about the Blue Peter you can check out the website about her and even book her for a charter. That is provided you have made better financial choices in life than I have: https://www.mvbluepeter.com/
After leaving the Blue Peter I headed along the docks looking at more of the boats.
There is a lot to see at the festival besides the boats too. There are some really great venders selling boat parts, artesian clothing, artwork, all kinds of things. There are also some great food venders as well.
After the festival I walked a little down the main street of Port Townsend just enjoying the weekend street venders and stores. I ended my walk around with some lunch, an amazing Chilli Dog from Dogs-A-Foot: https://www.dogs-a-foot.com/
If you are in the area next year I highly recommend checking out the Port Townsend Wooden Festival. https://woodenboat.org/