Aquavit, oysters and paddling The Fjord?

Formed over 13,000 years ago, Hood Canal is not a canal, as defined by Captain George Vancouver when he "discovered" it in 1792, but in fact is the only fjord in the lower 48 states – in June, celebrate this distinction with a unique beach event held in Hoodsport.

There are plenty of fjords in Canada and Alaska, but averaging 150' deep in some spots and as much as 600' in others, Hood Canal is the only saltwater access fjord (carved by a glacier) in the lower 48.

It is fitting that five years ago Jan and Chuck Morris, owners of the Hardware Distillery, decided to coin "Fjordin Crossin" to celebrate the annual release of their Hoodsport distilled aquavit. Playing on a Scandinavian tradition of crossing the equator to "age" the spirit with the rocking of the boat, they reached out to a local charter operator and friend, Lee Geist. to cross the "fjord" on the MV Tahuya with the barrel.

The event was eagerly embraced by the community. Over the last half decade it has grown to include a non-motorized paddle across the canal challenge hosted by Hood Canal Events. Participants can bring their own watercraft, rent from Hood Canal

Adventures, who are set up with kayaks at the beach, or, if they have no desire to paddle but want to be part of the action and excitement --book passage on Lady Alderbrook from Alderbrook Resort, to cross Hood Canal alongside the barrel aged aquavit in celebration of a historic Nordic tradition.

On board the Lady Alderbrook Aquavit cocktails are served, and participants take in the day’s festivities from the center of the action. Spectators can purchase advance tickets from the Alderbrook Resort and Spa.

On shore there is plenty to do including vendors, oysters, a parade, artisans and children's crafts. Under the pier, the adult Aquavit Garden serves cocktails on the beach as they await the arrival of the tide which will eventually send them to higher ground and move the events into the lively main street of Hoodsport.

11:00 AM: Food, drink, vendors and Paddle the Canal Challenge registration OPEN.

11:30 AM: Lady Alderbrook departs Alderbrook Resort & Spa's dock.

12:45 PM: STREET PARADE from Hardware Distillery to dock led by Scandinavian fiddle/ accordion musicians, followed by all who want to join. Barrel of aged Dill Aquavit loaded on boat to cross Fjord.

1:00 PM: Crossing begins. Good luck Paddle the Canal Challenge participants!

2:00 PM: Award ceremony and prizes

3:00 PM: After party in Hoodsport. Visit the shops, distillery and brewery. Live music & oysters with Danish dill root and Havarti cheese topping at the Fjord Oyster Bank.

Also at the Grotto, Potlatch Brewing will be serving a Scandinavian Farm House Ale, using an old Scandinavian brewer’s recipe and Kviek, “kweek,” a specialty Scandinavian yeast.

Along with other Scandinavian delights, Chef Patchen’s fire pork sandwiches are paired with Scandinavian potato salad and herring, and mushrooms with lingonberry. New this year, check out Hri's Fika Bar serving Norwegian midday snacks and treats.

The parking lot at the Hood Canal School District at the corner of Hwy 106 and Hwy 101 has been reserved for transportation to the event. A small school bus will run continuously between the school and Hoodsport. The shuttle is free.

The activities at the Port will end at 3 PM, and move to Hoodsport to support the local businesses, by giving the participants an opportunity to visit, shop, and eat at our local establishments.

The Fjord Oyster Bank will be hosting live music outdoors and Scandinavian heritage culinary creations created by Chef Xinh Dwelley. The Hardware Distillery will be hosting their open house to celebrate the Aquavit Launch while the Potlatch Brewing Company will have their new Fjordin Crossin beer available.

For details on the event updates visit explorehoodcanal.com/fjordin.