On this map, it’s easy to trace our counter-clockwise trip around the Olympic Peninsula. We went north up the peninsula along the Hood Canal and we’ll continue on 101 all the way around the circle back to the Olympia area.
JUNE 19, 2014. Today we drove to Port Townsend, about 20 miles from our campsite in Sequim. In addition to its natural scenery at the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula, the city is also known for the many Victorian buildings remaining from its late 19th-century heyday, numerous cultural events and as a maritime center for independent boat-builders and related industries and crafts. Since the 1970s new residents, including many retirees, have moved to town. The waterfront retail district has restaurants, services and tourist destinations. Since 1999, the city has had an annual international film festival in September. Other cultural programming, some at Fort Worden, now a state park, includes a Wooden Boat Festival, writers’ conference, and blues and jazz festivals, in addition to music and dance performances. The town has an independent movie theater, upgraded in 2012 to handle digital film.
The sign entering town calls Port Townsend a “Victorian Seaport and Arts Community.” Boating and maritime life are central elements in this port town, with regattas, weekly races and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The marine trades industry is an anchor economic driver for the community, with highly skilled, world-renowned tradespeople. The port is home to many classic wooden boats and gets visits from owners of others seeking repairs.
Jefferson County Courthouse in Port Townsend, Washington. The size is deceiving…in addition to just a handful of courtrooms, the building houses the all the other county offices, from appraiser to treasurer and parking enforcement.
Inside, it’s much like the old courthouse in Monterey County, California…where I tried a few cases years ago…dark hallways, creaky floors…
This is the view from the steps of the old courthouse in Port Townsend. It’s still in use, but the day we visited I think there were only two courts in session.
Fort Warden State Park in Port Townsend is located along Admiralty Inlet . It was originally an US Army installation for the protection of Puget Sound. Some of the prime RV campsites are right here along the water. Unfortunately, our rig is too large to fit.
Florence took this picture of an old abandoned dory on the beach near Fort Worden State Park, Washington. June 2014.
The waterfront at Port Townsend.
Auto ferries in Puget Sound connect all the ports and towns. This boat travels the route between Port Townsend and Vancouver, BC, Canada. Traveling by ferry here is a way of life. There is more water than there are roads.
