Tag: Port Townsend

Battery Kinzie, Ft. Worden

An entryway into the Past

While touring a WWII battery may not be first on your list of fun things to do, think again…the batteries at Ft. Worden are so unique, mysterious and thought provoking that a visit just might change your mind about “fun”.

Considering the colorful and expressionistic graffiti on most of the walls, some have gone so far as to compare it to an art gallery; children see it as a playground; photographers and artists consider it an endless opportunity for discovery and self expression, and you and maybe your out of town guests may have your own description, but I’m sure it will be positive.

Considering its proximity to Pt. Wilson Lighthouse, Pt. Townsend, and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, one can spend all day, several days, or even a week exploring them, and the entire area, and never tire.

So if you too are looking for some fun activity, a place to take your friends, and a new experience this weekend or whenever, you don’t need to look far from home.

Sea Lion Sunday

This is really getting a jump on the season, but when I got an email from Puget Sound Express yesterday announcing their March whale watching trips, it got me browsing through my photos to relive a trip we took with them in 2021.

In 2021, whale watching boats were required to maintain a distance of 200 yards, and given that, I had come prepared with my longest telephoto lens, as well as a collection of others to ensure I wouldn’t miss a shot.

While cruising the Salish Sea searching for orcas, humpbacks, and grays, these sea lions kept us entertained by barking, twisting and turning on the rocks, and sending occasional waves with flips of their tails; and when the captain stopped the boat, I knew we’d be getting our monies worth.

Within what seemed like minutes, a humpback was swimming directly under our boat and within such close proximity to me that my longest lens was way tooooo long. Anxious to get some shots, I had to make a quick trip inside the cabin to change lenses, while dodging a crowd of onlookers, and navigating a rocking boat.

Back on deck, the crowd had dispersed, along with the whale, but I found my husband holding a railing, drenched from head to toe from the spray of the whale’s blowhole!

As I burst into laughter, we both relived an experience where years earlier, when I had fallen head over heels into the water at Des Moines Marina when he had taken a sharp turn with our boat…

and while I refrained from shouting, “touché” I did try to help him dry off – even while he reeked from the smell of the whale. So the moral of the story is…go, but when you go, remember your rain gear!

For the Love of Boats

Rather than collecting souvenirs that require dusting and storing, I prefer to come home with images instead, ones that I don’t always print, but that more often than not, remain stored on my computer for my enjoyment after my return.

Revisiting them takes me back to the time, place, and emotion I felt while enjoying a location’s draw and beauty. And while during yet another trip to Port Townsend, this beauty was waiting to be “captured” and to go home with me. I love boats, boating and just about everything associated with saltwater, and this lovely creation was no exception.

And as the years pass, it never wears on me, gets old, or begs me to donate it just to get get it out of my sight; it simply acts as if seeing a dear friend after a long hiatus, one I can go back to whenever the mood strikes me, or whenever I stumble on it in my computer. And I hope you enjoy it as much as me.

Pt. Townsend, Flugelhorn Phil, and The Bubble Lady

While cruising Water Street and the beach in Pt. Townsend a few years back, I had the pleasure of photographing a musician as he entertained a crowd of onlookers and listeners. I found out later that he’s Phil Flugehorn and the bubbles behind him were created by Brenda Easley, aka, The Bubble Lady.

As Brenda swayed along the shore creating enormous and colorful floating backdrops, he created an atmosphere of his own while playing requested tunes from the crowd as they sang and shouted for more.

I can’t remember when I’ve been more delighted to attend an impromptu photo shoot then that unforgettable day on the beach, and I’m forever grateful to Brenda for forming the enormous bubble behind Phil – which resembles the shape of the horn…now that’s good karma!

To learn more about Phil, visit his website at www.flugelhornphil.com. And you can find Brenda at www.facebook.com/brenda.easley17.

Steampunk Festival Port Townsend

Every year Port Townsend hosts a steampunk Festival. There are parades (seen here), Dances and all sorts of events. People REALLY dress up for this event. Many costumes costing upwards of $1000, by the time you add all the accessories.