Since this is just a weekend trip, and because I’m obviously behind on the other two trips I’ve started, I’ll make this one short.
Last weekend I headed over to Fort Flagler to meet up with friends Sheri and Todd. Reservations are required on the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry run during the summer and booking early is advised. The reservations don’t cost anything as you pay at the booth. Check out the Washington State Ferries’ website for more information.
The morning started a bit frantic as I had to make sure all was packed before heading to take Sabrina to school. Then again, this was car camping in a state park about 10 minutes from a QFC, not much to worry about. Still, I prefer to be prepared as sometimes plans change and one thing I fully appreciate with a well stocked truck is the ability to camp anywhere, with or without a QFC nearby. The ride over on the boat was calm and sunny with a good many tourists onboard. We all are tourists in a way, some just further afield than others, as I got mistaken a couple times as being from “some place far away” in the Defender. When I explained I lived on the island I got a few surprised looks.
Once off the ferry I had time to wait in Port Townsend while Sheri and Todd made their way north from Olympia. I found a shady parking spot just off main street where I could snatch wifi from a hotel across the way. I really like Port Townsend. It has a nice, authentic feel for being a small port town with a tourist economy. The old buildings and quaint shops have an appeal that just fits. I decided to break out of my shell (truck) and get something to eat, strolling (yes, I actually strolled) across the street to Waterfront Pizza and up the stairs for the seated dining. Some might describe it as a hole in the wall and that kinda fits; seats are fold out chairs, not a single table is level, the bathroom is labeled “Head” and so on. The pizza was wonderful! A custom made job of feta, garlic and pesto and sourdough crust so yummy I only finished half, opting to eat the rest for breakfast or lunch on Saturday.
From there I decided to mosey on over to Fort Flagler, about 30 minutes away. On the way I saw a sign for Old Fort Townsend and as I had no real time table, hung a left into the park. It’s a smaller park but one I never knew existed, one of those places I’d always pass by and I’m glad I stopped. For the rooftop tent crowd, sites number 9 and 12 are great spots to reserve. The campground is in the woods and well laid out. There is an RV area, much more compact, by the lawns. I didn’t stay long enough to get a good feel for the site as the “Cub Scouts Meet Here” signs scared me off. So on to Fort Flagler.
Ahhhh….lovely Fort Flagler. I like the place. All campsites are assigned as you head in. While Sheri and Todd still hadn’t showed up, I was allowed in (whew!) and hung out at the campsite, snoozing for a couple of hours. Site #12 is great! It’s all open, so you have to have some kinda portable shade or you’ll fry in the midday sun. Other than that, it’s got a great view. Once Sheri and Todd showed up we set up camp, headed to the QFC for some food for them and then went back to camp and chilled. The rest of the night was spent with them and some friends of Sheri’s Teri and her sons Derek and Trevor and Teri’s friend Linda. Many, many marshmallows were roasted and I must admit Todd has quite the skilz with the mallows. He’d get them so poofed up and brown that there was nothing left inside. He really has a talent and should turn it into a living some how.
The night ended with a game called Phase 10. It’s a fun game played with any number of folks. I did ok but Sheri ended up winning the abbreviated game. Oh, and at some point the sun set (see picture for proof). I went for a quick bike ride up the bluff a bit just before sunset. Ok, now all the facts are getting jumbled but who really likes chronology?
[...] Continued from Day 1’s Post. [...]