Holmes Harbor to Port Townsend

The sun and crews were up early this morning, and we certainly made use of every minute of light on the longest day of the year! After a calm night in Holmes Harbor we took up chain and ventured into the heart of the Puget Sound. Cruising down the east side of Whidbey Island our approach gave us stunning views of the Central Cascades rising above rolling hills of evergreen. After rounding Scatchet Head at the southern tip of Whidbey the flotilla spent the morning crossing the sound with the Olympics dead ahead.

A strong flood tide kept us at a leisurely pace as we made for Port Townsend, a beautiful Victorian town with a maritime tradition as lively as it is storied. Surrounded by emerald islands and icy mountains this picturesque town is the gem of the Olympic Peninsula. Sail boats, working tugs, fishing vessels, and passing ferries energized the waterfront, and our crews deftly navigated through vessel traffic in this busy working harbor before throwing over lines in the beautiful Point Hudson Marina. The marina, immediately adjacent to downtown, is the perfect base from which to explore for the next two days.

The hot afternoon sun was all the encouragement that was needed for some folks to throw kayaks in the water and paddle along the Port Townsend waterfront. Others wandered into town to appreciate the Victorian architecture, peruse the great variety of local artisans and crafts sellers, or enjoy some fresh Olympia oysters on the half shell. With the sun getting low over the Olympics most everyone could be found out on the decks admiring the hues of rose and purple coloring the evening sky, a fine ending to the start of high summer.

P.S. Missed this year’s Princess Louisa Flotilla? Not to worry, there’s always next year! Send us an email to reserve your spot on our 2022 Princess Louisa Flotilla.