Port Townsend is...

A slice of pure heaven; friends, weather, views...we've had it all!  Hard to believe we leave on Monday.  Now please know that August is probably the premier time to visit the northwest and even now some mornings are gray and foggy.  That said, a huge naval vessel heading into the Indian Island weapons facility, flanked by a squadron of tiny El Toro sailboats, is a sight to behold, especially in the fog....

Kathie and Bob were here for 4 days.  We enjoyed walks into town and along the beach, and just sitting out catching up and enjoying the scenery.  They have a couple of months in between camp hosting jobs and we were honored to be on their itinerary.  They also visited us in the Anza Borrego Desert last winter.  Though we met very briefly a few years back, we really connected on Facebook and blogging.

Port Townsend is... the historic Rose Theatre, a legend in this town.  After a great movie, Safety Not Guaranteed, we could not resist a stop at Elevated Ice Cream, another local hangout.  My personal favorite is Swiss orange chocolate chip in a waffle cone!

Port Townsend is...the Victorian Seaport and Arts Community.  Settled in 1851, it soon became an active seaport with homes and buildings reflecting the ornate Victorian architecture of the late 1900 century.

Port Townsend is... the Jefferson County seat with its stunning Courthouse reigning high atop an uptown hill, the clock tower measuring over 124 feet tall.

Returning on my walk you get an overview from the top of the hill looking out over the ferry terminal with cars lining up for the trip to Whidbey Island.  We'll be taking the motorhome and jeep when we leave here on Monday for Anacortes.  The cost for both vehicles is charged by the foot and our combined length of 48' runs about $55.

Port Townsend is...a downtown that reflects its history.  Featured here is one of the old bank buildings converted into street level shops and restaurants with apartments, offices, or hotel rooms above.  We are now at the height of the tourist season, and No Vacancy signs prevail.

The new Northwest Maritime Center is the pride of Port Townsend and reflects its dedication to the art of traditional wooden boat-building and restoration.  Classes, sailing lessons, and a well-stocked chandlery and gift shop featuring top quality marine hardware, tools and supplies, are included in this impressive complex.

Located at the north end of the Marina's facilities is the Commander's Beach House B & B.  Its beautiful gardens in the foreground, sailboat masts rising behind, with a glimpse of uptown high on a hill in the distance, paints a pretty good picture....

Though you do need to see the driftwood-strewn beach out front, and way out there on the very northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula sits the Point Wilson Lighthouse.

The lighthouse is located at the Fort Worden State Park, a large facility that was originally built as an Army base with its strategic location providing protection for Puget Sound.  It now offers a great campground, hiking trails through the bunkers, and museums, with many of the former officers' quarters used for workshops and meetings.

Port Townsend is...an early evening parade, a perfect two-week destination, a location guaranteed to make new acquaintances and entice friends and family to visit, a sailor's paradise, a romantic setting...Oh, yes it is!