May 2018
HAPS does it again!
Port Ludlow proved itself to be a delightful rendezvous setting.
Dave and Mary Weale aboard Dulcinea arrived a day early in true host fashion to assure that all was ready. Also in attendance were:
John and Kerstin Hilton aboard New Shoes
Gary and Joanne Mallett aboard Anna
David and Sara Tideman aboard Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (we will learn to pronounce this correctly)
Rick and Ann Giles aboard Fre’ Moment
Most attendees arrived mid to late afternoon, with plenty of time to prepare for “heavy hors d’oeuvres” as Dave Weale referred to them. We gathered on the “party float” in the lovely spring sunshine. True to Dave’s plan, we were too full for dinner. After an hour or two of visiting, the sun set and the evening chill sent us back to our boats for the night.
Rick and Ann Giles arrived at just about bedtime for many of us old timers. Guided by New Shoes’ anchor light, they found their slip in the darkened marina.
We all awoke to sunshine and after morning coffee indulged in Mary Weale’s infamous blueberry pancakes and ham.
During the morning’s conversation we learned that Port Ludlow has quite an extensive trail system (26 miles) and even a waterfall. After a stop at the Marina office to pick up a trail map, off we set to explore the woods. The trails were wide, which made for easy conversation and an ideal opportunity to get to know one another individually. Interpretive signs along the way directed our attention to native flora and fauna, and historic details that contributed to the development of Port Ludlow.
Returning from the woods we stopped to check out the local art gallery which features only local artists, and pick up a few things at the small market nearby. For those that are new to Port Ludlow, there are actually quite a few businesses in the town. It takes a bit of looking to find them as they are located in little clusters set in amongst the trees.
Back at the marina it was time for lunch and another round of activities. Dave Weale displayed his competitive nature by organizing a wind-up toy race. The course measured 24” in length. The selection of toys was amazing, and after much discussion and argument the field was narrowed to four fish. Racing was intense, and the winner was … uhm, you’ll have to purchase a calendar at the annual meeting to find out! Dave followed up with a session of knot tying.
Meanwhile, Rick Giles brought his new to him Walker Bay 10 sailing dinghy and the warm sunshine and pleasant breeze made us eager to give it a try. After pumping up the tubes, and sorting out some rigging, the dinghy was sailing smartly about the marina.
As the dinner hour approached we gathered our potluck contributions and headed up to the Port Ludlow Marina gazebo. No sooner did we begin to set the tables when the sound of rain drops grew louder. We opted to take shelter in the large tent structure nearby. We had an enjoyable dinner of soft tacos, with salad and lemon bars, and watched the rain develop into a full on thunderstorm. Thanks to smart phone technology we were able to consult the NOAA weather app with real time radar to determine the most advantageous moment to scurry back to the warmth and comfort of our boats.
Sunday morning no one was in a big hurry to leave so we had a leisurely breakfast aboard Dulcinea and continued visiting, touring one another’s boats and so on. One by one we said our good byes, and began our journeys back to home port, secure in our sense of being surrounded by nice people, having a nice time in nice boats.
John Hilton
HAPS Fleet Co-captain