Sept 24-26 2012 Port Townsend

Sept 24-26 2012
Port Townsend

We were late leaving Multnomah Fall but it had been well worthwhile spending time there. (see previous post) We decided to bypass Seattle and head for Port Townsend instead. By the time we were south of Tacoma we were tired and found a place to stay for the night. This was a lucky break because as I was checking out the next morning I struck up a conversation with Ben Denson. Ben has been retired for nearly 15 years and has travelled to every State in the Union. I told him we were going up to Port Townsend and then, unfortunately, having to make the return trip to Tacoma before taking the 90 over to Yellowstone. Ben took out his detailed map and took me through many better options including travelling by ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island and then using Deception Bridge to get back to the mainland. This took us into the Cascades and more unforgettable scenes (see next blog) Ben was very generous with his time and gave us some great tips. As I mentioned. He retired about 15 years ago from his Golf Shop where they made custom clubs among other things. He has played golf all across the States and even spend some time travelling across Europe with his son who is based in Germany with the US military. He still competes in golf competitions against other seniors. Thanks Ben for your time.

So we set off for Port Townsend. 

Port Townsend, a view from the pier

Port Townsend is situated at the extreme northeastern end of the Olympic Peninsula, on the north end of a large, semi-protected bay. It has many Victorian mansions and hotels. We chose the Palace Hotel for our stay. I mention this because there have been many reports of sightings of the 'Lady in Blue' (A GHOST) at this premises.  Have a look at this report in the Seattle Times. Our Haunted Hotel

WikiMiniAtlas

Is it my imagination or do I see the reflection of a Lady in Blue in this photo of our room? what do you think? 

Brenda found an Antique Mall while I set off with the camera. We met up shortly afterwards and had a very relaxing time together. We even took time out to sit on the pier and catch up on some reading. We later had some local brewed beers and a great meal at Sirens Bar and Restaurant. Diners leave their business cards, random notes and notices on the notice boards and under the glass top tables in Sirens. This makes for some very interesting reading while you enjoy your meal.


A Notice Board in Sirens Bar and Restaurant

Just one of the many beautiful building in Port Townsend

In addition to road links to the south and west, Port Townsend is accessible via ferry from the Washington State Ferry system, which links Port Townsend with the Coupeville ferry terminal on Whidbey Island, on the east side of Puget Sound.

We took the 10:15am ferry to Coupevile, where highway 20 took us across Deception Pass, back onto the mainland and across the 'awsome' Cascades. (see next blog)

This final image of Port Townsend, taken from the ferry as we continue on our journey, shows a dense mist coming in from the sea (on right). Within minutes we could not see Port Townsend or Whidbey Island.

Our last view of Port Townsend as we leave by ferry.

Some of our images from Port Townsend

Port Townsend

Our Haunted Hotel