Two days ago I joined the Puget Sound Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association at Twanoh State Park on the Hood Canal; a long, skinny finger of the southwestern Salish Sea.
The park derives its name from the word tewa´duxq.
Twana, Twanoh or tewa´duxq refers to the territory that encompasses the entire Hood Canal watershed. It is comprised of nine First People villages of which the Skokomish is the largest and where most descendants reside today. The Skokomish observe their hereditary and treaty rights throughout this territory.
Before becoming a state park, the land was logged in the 1890’s and a meandering trail through the forest reveals springboard notches carved in cedar trees from early logging practices. Further exploration of the campground and day use area highlights historic park buildings which were constructed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
The beach is seeded with oysters, which can be harvested by permit. There is an excellent launch ramp and the winds on Saturday were a perfect 15 knots.
Great park facilities, excellent food, incredible sailing conditions and wonderful company.
A perfect day.
I had the pleasure of crewing with Joel Bergen in his Navigator, Ellie. You may find it difficult to believe - I've never sailed in a John Welsford designed boat before. Needless to say, Ellie lived up to expectations and then some. Joel is a very congenial companion and allowed me the tiller and freedom to sail where I wished.
What more could a Doryman want?
Joel put together a quick video, which I've borrowed to share with you.
(Thank you, my friend!)
For his version of this story, please visit Joel's Navigator Site.
And finally, the slideshow:
