Summer Update from Us!
July is almost over and I figured I better give everyone a summer update from us. After we spent the July 4th Celebration on Camano Island, we headed to Gig Harbor on July 14th. Our brother-in-law, Kurt was also heading to Gig Harbor, so we followed him. Scott and I stayed on the boat Friday night to soak up the sun and enjoy some marina life. It was a gorgeous night and even the jelly fish came out!
Off to Gig Harbor
We visited Gig Harbor last September and had a blast. So we were looking forward to visiting the town again. This time, we reserved a slip at Arabella’s Landing Marina (last time we stayed at the Port of Gig Harbor city marina). We’re so glad we were able to stay here and will share more later in the blog!
The weather was warm and gorgeous that weekend. Gig Harbor is about a one hour trip south from Seattle. Most people go through Colvos Passage which is between Vashon Island and the peninsula.
There is a very strong current traveling north and we had 10mph winds from the north. This made for an interesting trip. While it looked windy, it was a very smooth ride.
Scott and I arrived to the Gig Harbor entrance early (check-in for the marina is 1pm), so we decided to continue on and check out the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Narrows Bridge opened in July 1940, but collapsed four months later when it experienced 42mph winds. It was blustery just going under it and then turning around to head back north. I can’t imagine what it was like when it collapsed!
Entering Gig Harbor
As I mentioned the last time we visited Gig Harbor, the entrance is VERY difficult to see at first. Then add boat traffic and shallow depths to the mix and entering the harbor is interesting.
On top of those obstacles, there is a lot of marine traffic – both boats and personal water craft everywhere! Arabella’s Landing is on your left and easy to see, as they have a small gray hut like building at the end of the dock. The fairways are nice and wide and there is virtually no current.
The marina and facilities are very nice, yet a bit of a walk from the dock. But we all need our exercise right? Kurt arrived about an hour after us and the three of us headed into town.
What to see in Gig Harbor
As the three of us walked into town, we basically repeated exactly what we did last time. Just a few blocks from the marina is the Skansie Brother’s Netshed. The netshed was built in 1910 just after Andrew Skansie built his home in 1908. He immigrated from Croatia in 1907 and was one of the first settlers in Gig Harbor. This is now maintained by a non-profit organization and it was full of historical items. Unfortunately, they close at 3pm, so we missed it.
Next stop was at 7 Seas Brewing, then For the Love of Spice and last stop was Heritage Distillery. I love the shop, For the Love of Spice! You can sample all kinds of vinegars and oils. Plus they have great gifts and wine tastings on Saturdays!
We finished the evening at the infamous Tides Tavern. Unfortunately, the service was terrible and the food was just ok. Next time, we’ll hunt out a more quaint restaurant.
The sunset was amazing that evening from the marina – you really couldn’t ask for a better night. I highly recommend visiting Gig Harbor, since it’s so close from Seattle.
Heading home we had 10mph winds from the north, so we were beating into the waves pretty good. I highly recommend keeping a watchful eye on this route as there are A LOT of logs. We had so many near misses, it was a bit stressful. Then about three quarter’s of the way, we see something in the middle of the passage and it was a kayaker! Crazy!
Summer’s Almost Over – Any Big Trips?
Scott and I get asked that a lot these days. Both Gig Harbor and Poulsbo were short overnight trips. We are headed to Kingston this weekend on Saturday night and are joining two other boats. They have live music on the lawn and it’s a great place to bring a picnic.
Okay, back to the question! After moving into our apartment in the city and spending time exploring new things, our schedule has just been too busy to plan any big trips. On top of that, I don’t have any vacation time and when I do get it, we’re headed to the Caribbean! So no big trips this year. Seems odd to some people considering how much money we put into the boat, but we just don’t have the time.
Last weekend, we were in Chicago for a family reunion so that ate up a weekend. I do have one bucket list item yet for this summer on the boat, which is to go back through the Ballard Locks and spend the day on Lake Washington.
What’s Next?
Soon summer will be over and boating season will end in October. Scott and I are weighing our options as to what to do next. We might try and sell the boat before summer is over, so we don’t have to maintain it over the winter. Only time will tell – so stay tuned in. Things will be happening in the next 7 months, one way or another! Exciting times! We are heading to Kingston in a couple of weeks, which is always a great time!
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Cheers, Scott and Ally