April Showers

A Family Cruise

After spending a few more days in Port Townsend, we motored the boat back to Elliott Bay Marina in Seattle where we spent the remainder of spring.  The first half of the month was consumed with “change of address” notifications for our new postal mailbox located not far from our son’s home who now takes care of processing our mail.  April showers, so typical of the month were on-going but we still had a few days of sun including a nice day on Easter Sunday. 

Son Duane & Grandson Porter

After breakfast at Elliott Bay Marina, we were joined by son Duane, daughter-in-law Gretchen, and grandchildren Mariah and Porter for a short boat trip to Blake Island.  It was a fun-filled day at the beach - Mariah and I built a driftwood shelter, Gretchen and Porter found some Butter Clams, and Duane enjoyed a much deserved day off from work. 

Granddaughter Mariah at the Beach

Java, however, wasn’t too pleased about being buried in the sand as the chosen one.  Blake Island is the birthplace of Chief Sealth (1786) for whom the city of Seattle is named and was once the camping ground of the Suquamish. 

Java's quick Escape

Today, the island is a marine State Park offering trails, camping, and beach combing with beautiful views of the Seattle skyline.  Blake Island is also home to Tillicum Village showcasing Native culture through song, dance, and storytelling performed in a longhouse replica accompanied by a salmon dinner prepared in the wood-fired tradition. 

Tillicum Village Longhouse

Blake Island remains a special place and is accessible only by private boat or by the Argosy tour boats.    

Tillicum Village Gift Shop