August PNW Cruise: Visiting Pleasant Harbor, Hood Canal

This week we are starting an exploration of the Hood Canal area of the Puget Sound.  We departed Everett Marina Monday morning Previously we had torn down the carburetor, on the outboard for our dinghy, for a good cleaning.  We were looking forward to trying it on this trip, to insure it was working as expected.

Weather was good as we left Everett and got better as we entered the Hood Canal.  Beth shared that it reminded her of the fjords we saw in Norway.  Once we rounded Foulweather Bluff, the water was glass smooth thanks to the protection of the tree covered hills on both sides.  The water depths were consistently 300 feet or deeper.   This probably explains why the US Navy has a major submarine base located here.  We here not able to get close, but through binoculars could see both missile boats and attack subs at the docks.  

Pleasant Harbor is located in a quiet cove about 23 nautical miles south from the entrance to Hood Canal.  Access to the cove is through a narrow channel which showed a depth of 12 feet at mid-tide.  To the immediate right is a State Park dock with room for 4-5 boats.  There are limited improvements in the park as it is smaller than most.  Immediately adjacent is Home Port Marina.  We continued to Pleasant Harbor Marina.

We had given them a call when we were 45 minutes out and reserved a slip.  They placed us right by the ramp that went up to the Harbor Office on "D"dock.  The Fuel Pumps were on the outside end of "D" dock.  So a good location.  The harbormaster was friendly and helpful at check-in.  Once she heard it was our first visit she shared information on other spots we could boat to in the area.  This was un-expected and much appreciated.

When we returned to the boat it was time to try both the new outboard motor lift and the motor with the recently rejuvenated carburetor. It couldn't have worked better.  The hoist was easy to use and eliminated the anxiety associated with manually moving the outboard from it's mount to the transom of the dinghy.  Once securely in place, it was time to try it out!  It started on the second pull and ran great.  We did a full lap of the cove and then headed out along the tree covered shoreline of Hood Canal to look at the cabins and critters.  We saw kayakers pulling crab traps with their crustaceans bounty, harbor seals, kids swinging on ropes out over the water and dogs watching over the kids while having their own fun.  The kind of scene which made you feel all was good in the world.

The sun was moving lower in the skies.  The tall hills would bring an early twilight.  We reluctantly began our return voyage.  We go back in time for Beth to swim some laps in the pool, sit in the hot tub and we both enjoyed hot showers.  While boating, you take advantage of each and every hot shower you find.  They are all treasured.

Back to Amy Marie for dinner and planning for the coming day.  This entails checking tides, winds, weather, and potential destinations.  It is again part of the rhythm of cruising, very much a step and repeat process.  Followed by, in bed when dark and then up early with the sun for new adventures.