Port Townsend has a great Whale Watching tour from April through September, which leaves from Point Hudson aboard the "Redhead". This is a trip you do not want to miss!
The orcas live in pods and travel around the San Juan Islands in their quest for salmon, which is the mainstay of their diet. The naturalists in the area have studied these whales for years, know their numbers, give them names and recognize them by their dorsal fins and other markings. There are 3 pods in this area and are named by letters, the only one I can remember is J Pod. Unfortunately they appear to be dwindling in numbers and the crew is very careful to disturb them as little as possible. Sightings are guaranteed and usually plentiful as you can tell from my photos.
Naturalists study the pod and keep track of their numbers by the markings on the dorsal fins.
Dorsal fin Seals on the island
Friday Harbor on San Juan Island
The "Redhead" departs early morning, travels across the channel and heads to Friday Harbor, a wonderful destination in itself. There is a 2 hour stop for lunch and a leisurly stroll around the small town.
Along the way you see the many orcas, porpoises which play with the boat and an island where there are seals sunning themselves on the beach. There are also sightings of river otters, puffins and eagles. Also seen is the Humpback Whale and the Grey Whale.
The "Redhead" moored at Point Hudson, in Port Townsend
The "Redhead" is a very comfortable craft, with comfortable seating at individual tables, a very friendly and accommodating crew, and a great snack bar. For sailing schedule:
www.pugetsoundexpress.com/index.htmls
Port Townsend is a special place for any golfer. Temperate climates, only 19"of rainfall and very few days with snow on the ground, plus 15 hours of daylight in summer makes a perfect environment for year round golf. There are two courses in Port Townsend, and many more in the surrounding areas within a 30-45 min. drive. Both clubs have organized play, both mens and ladies groups, plus special events and tournaments all year long.
Port Townsend Community Golf Course
1948 Blaine Street
The location in the heart of town makes for easy access in your golf cart from most of Port Townsend. This nine hole, public course is open year round, and you can walk the course if you prefer. Fees range from $12.50 for 9 holes to $25.00 for 18 holes, with money saving passes and special rates for seniors and junior players.
The scenery is outstanding with views of Olympic Mountains, a small lagoon with beautiful fowl, and lovely trees. There is a pro shop and café, covered parking for your cart and a good driving range. 
DISCOVERY BAY GOLF COURSE
The oldest golf course in the state of Washington (previously known as the Chevy Chase Golf Course) this course is located just 5 miles outside Port Townsend on Discovery Bay. This is a serene and lush setting with 18 holes, beautiful greens, water and mountain views surrounded by forests of tall evergreens.
Fees range from $18 for 9 holes to $32 for 18 holes on weekends. You are allowed to walk or you can use a cart, or pull cart. There is also a café and lovely deck overlooking the grounds and the bay.
www.discoverybaygolfcourse.com
I live around the corner from this project and yet knew nothing about it. I was walking my dogs and came upon a class of Port Townsend High School seniors taking a field trip to see this experimental garden which will be grown with less water than normal farms. This farm is located in an area know as "Happy Valley" which is sheltered from the wind, and has sunshine all day.
The land belongs to a Port Townsend citizen and was donated for this project. The crops are varied and planted in rows with white wooden markers. There are 19 varieties of wheat, 18 varieties are a trial for Washington State University. Wheat is the most widely cultivated plant in the world. There are also rows of flax, corn, barley, oats, amaranth (which has 16% more protein than corn, rice or wheat) and millet, a relatively new grain for Americans (used for bird seed ). I also saw some very beautiful and tall Sunflowers.
Harvesting will be in July, August and September. Hopefully, we will have some news on how the experiment went and what was produced.
http://www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net/
Incredible and unique center for the arts
Over 30 years ago some visionary citizens had an idea of a better use for the old, sprawling 1890's army base on the waterfront in Port Townsend called Fort Worden. This was the beginning of Centrum, a unique center for education and enjoyment of the arts, serving local citizens and visitors from all over the world. The facilities of Fort Worden include many buildings that were barracks, officers quarters, shops, hospital, theater, chapel, along with bunkers, acres of forest with trails, and a gorgeous shoreline with lighthouse. It is also home to award winning Copper Canyon Press, Goddard College and a Woodworking School. There is also a relatively new conference center and Coffe Shop. (If you saw the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" you will have seen many of the grounds and buildings, as that movie was filmed in Port Townsend").
Entrance to Fort Worden on Cherry Street Wheeler Theater
Centrum operates in co-operation with Washington State which owns the site,WA State Art Commission, Dept. of Recreation and Parks, and Department of Public Instruction. It relies on benefactors donations, fund raisers, grants, and thousands of volunteer hours to carry out it's programs.
This years Centrum Volunteer Job Fair Inside the tent with cookies and assignments
Workshops on writing, dance, music, and theater are held throughout the year many with festivals and/or performances at the end of the weeklong study. The workshops are taught by master artists from around the world and the performances at the end of the workshop week are simply wonderful.
This past week we enjoyed the annual Fiddle Tunes workshop and festival. Over 500 workshop participants took part in a 5 day workshop, performances on the green on Friday which is free to all, a Cajun and Swing Dance, a concert Saturday night before the fireworks.
This is the Mcurdy Pavillion and if you look closely you will see it is the original balloon hanger. Big and drafty and not insulated, but it is a great venue for large crowds. This is where the main stage performances take place, with fairly good acoustics and even a dance floor.
Coming up this month we will have Jazz Port Townsend, workshop, stage performances and my favorite, Jazz in the Clubs where artists perform in our local clubs in small and intimate settings. The last week of July brings us the Blues, workshops, performances and Blues in the Clubs.
If you are going to be in the area in July you can go to www.centrum.org for a schedule of performances. You will hear some great music in an awesome setting.
www.porttownsendrealestatesearch.net
Chief Chetzamoka was head of the local Clallum Indian Tribe. In 1851 he befriended the white settlers who came to Port Townsend, and this gorgeous park was dedicated to him. Chetzamoka is one of my dog's favorite words, right up there next to "beach".
Chief Chetzamoka !860's photo of Clallum Indians on the beach
Located on the waterfront with incredible views of Admiralty Bay, the Cascade Mountains and the San Juan Islands this 10+ acre park has something for everyone. A favorite place for weddings, reunions, etc. 
Views of covered arbor, park and bandstand, flora and pond. 
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Bandstand for concerts, weddings and other celebrations.
Pond and flora
Shakespear in the Park stage Kitchen and Butterfly gardens
Sandy on bridge over creek Pathway leading to the beach. Just a short walk to Water Street
Great spot for watching the cruise ships and regattas.
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