BRING ON THE DAY TIDES.

Rachel Hansen | editor

It has been a very busy winter for the Fjord team. The new venture, Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport opened in December; Christmastown and its subsequent tree maze were a happy success and now it's time to raise the Babe and Bunyan and begin thinking of duck races, Canal crossings, and low tide exploration.

The longer days herald the re-emergence of daytime low tides. As we deal with yet another cold snap, it is difficult to imagine that spring is on its way – finally.

Spring is a great time in the Northwest to celebrate shellfish. The cold nutrient rich water provides the perfect climate to sample the tasty bivalves that pepper the beaches. Normally the crisp weather and daytime low tides herald the coming of Hama Hama Oyster Rama – the event that inspired this quarterly magazine nearly six years ago- but that event is still on hold so its up to us to find other shellfish ways to amuse!

You can still stop by the Hama Hama Saloon to grab a dozen with a side of spectacular fjord view. It's not quite the Rama but definitely packs its own magical flavor. Head over to our new Oyster Bank in Hoodsport for a steaming bowl of manillas, shrimp fettuccine or an icy tray of Sea Nymph oysters pulled from the briny waters just hours before.

Feeling adventurous? Grab a license and find your own way to the public beaches to celebrate the harvest with your families.

The area’s unique events are fueled by an enthusiasm and passion that represent generations who embrace the heritage of their community. First up is the Old Timers Fair in Matlock, followed by the iconic Mason County Forest Festival in Shelton. At the Matlock Fair you can leave with a homemade apple-rhubarb pie while Forest Festival features a Grand Parade and a fireworks show as well as a carnival.

This year Shrimpfest has been re-branded as "Fjord Fest" to incorporate other "bounty of the mountain and canal" so be sure to support this Memorial Day celebration event – and yes, don't fret, there are still plenty of shrimp -- just other things as well.

Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport is another niche event that have found a place in our hearts and schedules over the years.

It's fascinating to see how this event has evolved with Jan and Kerry's loving direction each year as more community members get involved. Although the tide will push the revelers out from the "under -the-pier" Aquavit Grotto by mid-afternoon, there's no need to rush home. Stop by the Potlatch Brewery, Stottle Winery or the Hardware Distillery to sample more celebratory treats or head over to the Fjord Oyster Bank and watch the sun set with live music and fresh baked oysters by the fire pits.

There are also some great single day events this spring. The Mason County Concert Association once again inviting world-class entertainment to perform in Shelton. In March be sure to catch the Celtic inspired troupe - Sultans of String, March 17.

After a COVID break, the Harstine Island Community Club has restarted their Inquiring Minds Speakers Series with three great conversations for 2023 at the Historic Harstine Island Community Hall. Check out the events calendar in the following pages or visit harstinecc.org/ inquiring-minds for details. These historical presentations are free to the public.

In this issue of the Fjord we also delve deeper into some local history. A perennial favorite of ours is to visit cover story town, Port Townsend. There's something for the whole family to do here whether its wander the docks, check out the shops, or stop for a bite to eat. One of our favorites is Tommyknocker's on Water Street. The Mac & Cheese cannot get any creamier and the mint and lamb pasties take you back to the Yorkshire dales. Also in this issue guide book author, Craig Romano brings us along on yet another area hike – the Dosewallips River Road (page 42).

Yet, if you're more into a rainy day indoors curled up with a good book – we invite you to visit us at the Fjord Oyster Bank in Hoodsport for a meal or a locally roasted coffee. With a little help we've curated some of our favorite local books and filled the bank vault. See page 34 for details and let us know what books you'd like to see in there. Happy Spring! As always, share your happenings with us and be sure to drop us a line if you have any questions or comments while you are tracingthefjord.com.