Puget Sound’s 1,330 miles of shoreline are criss crossed with miles of Interstate Highways, and secondary roads. Within a few hours you can be from one end to the other. That hasn’t always been the case. In fact for the majority of it’s history the waterways were the fastest, most convenient way to transit the sound and when settlers started moving into the region there was a fleet of ferries to service their needs. Know as the ‘Mosquito Fleet’ look closing at the shoreline and you can see these ghosts of Puget Sound.
Penrose Point State Park
Being empty nesters Theresa decided she want to go camping over Mother’s Day weekend. Her wish was my command. As the weather’s been still grey, cold and rainy we figured we pretty much could go where we pleased, but really didn’t want to travel that far. We decided to head to Penrose Point State Park before the summer crowds descend on the place. And we were correct, only about 1 in 10 sites were occupied as we rolled in.
The weather forecast was anything but encouraging, and friday night rain poured down non-stop. However, by the next morning we could occasionally see patches of blue sky through the overhead canopy. Shouldering our packs we headed out to point through the system of trails that lead out there.
Once we reached the beach and had a clear view of the horizon for about 200 degrees, we could see multiple squalls on all points of the compass. However, our small section of beach was bathed in sunshine as remained so for the next hour. Nothing to do but enjoy our picnic lunch and have a small siesta in the sun.
The highlight of the hike was on the way back we noticed a pair of American Bald Eagles taking turns feeding on the low tide flats. It didn’t take long to spot their nest and release this was a mating pair. Glad to see this iconic bird making a comeback.
Ghosts of Puget Sound
For dinner we headed over to the Lakebay Marina and Resort. Not so sure about the ‘resort’ part of their title but it certainly has a ‘yesterday’ charm. And the food was delicious as well!
Once a key port for Mosquito Fleet steamships in the early 1900s to ferry lumber, farmers and their produce to ports throughout the South Sound, Lakebay is now mindfully preserved as a rare throwback in time and culture to Puget Sound’s early years.
The cafe has a wrap around counter with stools reminiscence of by-gone soda shops as well as stunning views of the sound threw full length windows. In the back is a dance floor and more tables surrounded by antique wrought iron school desks.
If you’re ever on the Key Peninsula do yourself a favor and stop in for a small peek at our ghosts of Puget Sound.
