I recently participated in the Port Ludlow Yacht Club’s Wake-Up Cruise, its first official cruise of the year to work out the cobwebs of winter. Starting in Port Ludlow at the entrance to Hood Canal, we stopped at the half-way point at Pleasant Harbor Marina for a couple of nights and took full advantage of their dining room, bar, and hot tub. On the way we passed the Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, wisely keeping our distance from this nuclear submarine base by transiting the western side of Hood Canal. Most of our 13-boat flotilla moored at Pleasant Harbor Marina, while a couple in the group wanted to test their batteries and opted to anchor in the very well-protected harbor. Several club members drove to our destination and joined the fun as “land cruisers.” The weather was perfect for hiking, kayaking, or lounging about on the flybridge. Pleasant Harbor is always a welcoming place to be.
On the third day we continued to our destination for four more nights at Alderbrook Resort & Spa, in the town of Union, where our group of 13 boats were easily accommodated on the 1,500 lineal feet of transient dock space. Harbormaster Eric Sund and staff welcomed us as we arrived and assisted with lines and shore power. Alderbrook is a full-featured luxury resort with a restaurant, spa, pool, conference center, golf course, marina, watercraft rentals, pump-outs, and miles of hiking trails. Fuel, provisions, and additional dining options are available nearby at the affiliated Hood Canal Marina and surrounding area. Full access to the resort amenities is included with marina moorage.
Spring was certainly in the air as April was “shell-ebrated” as Oyster Month with offerings of complimentary oysters, oyster shell painting, oyster and champagne receptions and “Pearls of the Canal” cruises aboard Lady Alderbrook. Guests also explored the beach with a local Naturalist.
Spring scenic cruises aboard Lady Alderbrook began on Saturday May 9 and run every Saturday until mid-June. The cruise explores the southern end of Hood Canal with local experts discussing topics including history, wildlife, things to do and see, and much more. These summer scenic cruises run every Monday and Wednesday through Labor Day.
Have you wanted to dine in the middle of the forest? Alderbrook’s “Gathering Grove Dinner” is a four course, chef-curated meal inspired by the wild flavors of the Pacific Northwest and served in the heart of the forest. Come walk beneath the canopy of old growth forest, guided by a local expert on foraging and mushroom hunting before arriving at the “Gathering Grove.” Offered only once in June, this is an open-air dining experience like no other.
A very popular event for boaters and land cruisers alike is the annual Thunder on the Canal celebration on July 3rd. It features a fun filled day of live music, children’s activities, food concessions, and an amazing fireworks extravaganza. Mark your calendars and make your reservations now!
These are just a few of the happenings at Alderbrook. Fill in any available time with daily activities of geocaching, beach walks, hikes, or s’mores on the beach. Or do a Sunday puzzle in the lobby, a yoga class on Tuesday, or a trip to nearby Union City Market. You will not run out of things to do at Alderbrook, as well as a place to simply enjoy the natural beauty from the large lawn, your balcony, or the cockpit of your boat.
For more information visit www.AlderbrookResort.com.
Article by: Dale Blackburn
Waggoner Field Correspondent
Photos Credit: Dale Blackburn
