Port Townsend - Trekking Down Water Street

Fall and winter days in western Washington can be full of gray and little sunshine, also lots of rain. On one such recent day my sister called early in the morning and asked if I wanted to take a jaunt to Port Townsend. Since I hadn't been there in years, I was ready!

We started off in a windy rainstorm. Then the sky began to lighten a little as we approached the Hood Canal Bridge heading north on Highway 101. Our few hours in Port Townsend were gray, but unaccompanied by rain until we were ready to leave. We had a great time.

Our first stop was a little shop on Water Street called Twigs, with some antique goodies, some soaps, some wool pants I remember that my Mom had from the 40's, etc. Cute little shop. I shot this first photo looking towards town just up the street from there.

It's not real clear, but notice the Bull Durham sign painted on the brick building on the right. The corner of the building barely showing on the right is the Jefferson County Museum.

If you'd like an interesting view of the city when the Milwaukee Railroad golden spike was driven circa October 11, 1925, adding a railroad connection to Port Angeles, I think you'll see the city hasn't changed much. (This photo is from the University of Washington digital collection and is copyrighted. Do not use without permission.)

One thing unique about downtown Port Townsend is it's just off the waterfront with many great views, including the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry. This ferry goes between Whidbey Island and Port Townsend. The water view, even on a cloudy, gray day was just fine with me. I love riding the ferries in Puget Sound and could just imagine being on this one.

Since we only had a few hours we didn't have time to get into the historical "hill" district where all the lovely old homes are, just above downtown. That will take another visit.

When we saw folks lined up at the Pope Marine Building for an "extra" part in the Dream Works Feature Film, "The Ring," directed by Gore Verbinksi who also directed "The Mexican" and "The Mouse," we could feel the excitement in the air. I talked to a couple of locals who were in line, doing this "for fun" and a few extra dollars ($50/day one of them thought). There were all sorts of folks in line from babies to seniors, singles to families. Now that would be a kick!

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