Alderbrook Lay Day

After a full day on the water a bit of rest and relaxation was just what the doctor ordered, and that was just what we enjoyed, courtesy of Alderbrook Resort and Spa. The beautiful and historic resort – situated near Annas Bay on the Hood Canal – has been an iconic staple of summer in the sound since 1913. The resort features a saltwater pool and hot tub, a superb restaurant serving Northwest-inspired cuisine, a full service spa, and an expansive waterfront.

Folks enjoyed a morning stroll around the well-manicured grounds, or a bit of brunch on the patio under the snowy peaks of Mounts Ellinor and Washington. Our alpine views would belie the rising thermometer and the afternoon got downright toasty dockside. A quick dip in Hood Canal’s glassy waters, or a short nap in the cool shade of a mighty cedar were all that was needed to refresh from the radiant heat. It was an excellent day to put the dinghy in the water and explore the great bend of the canal. Some crews motored over to the town of Union to reprovision from the country market, and others explored the beaches between Alderbrook and Twanoh State Park.

In the evening most of the flotilla met for a nature walk through some of Alderbrook’s beautifully maintained trails. Once managed for commercial timber, Alderbrook has gone to great lengths to restore the area with native plants, to the benefit of nature and guests alike. We passed through stands of massive Douglas Fir (many over 300 years old) and fragrant Western redcedar, marveling at the complex and ancient beauty of these old growth forests. Late June is the perfect time of year for berries, and the trails had plenty of them! While we walked, we picked wild huckleberry, tangy salmonberry, and fruity salal straight from the bushes. On our way back to the fleet we were treated to an outlandishly lovely sunset over the Olympics, captivated by streaks of rouge and magenta blushes darkening to gold; a fine final memory we’ll all share from our stay at Alderbrook.

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.