Social Time in Port Townsend

August 25-31
Everyone has their own travel style, but for us, full-time RVing means wide swings in our social life. All of 2017 and the first few months of 2018 were a social whirlwind with constant family visits, gathering with friends, and lots of random meet-ups. But since sometime in the early spring we have been in a social drought of sorts. I really enjoy this mix of social and alone time. Neither of us needs or wants constant social time, so it’s nice to know that we can tailor our lifestyle to fit what works best for us. However, after a long summer with only a smattering of friend meet-ups we were both craving some interaction with people other than each other. Which means when we heard about an impromptu gathering of RVers in Port Townsend, WA we jumped at the chance to join.

The lighthouse at Fort Worden State Park

Port Townsend was not originally on our radar for this year. Not because we don’t love this Victorian seaport, but because with no prior planning it’s hard to find a place to camp. Or so we thought. Our last visit was six years ago when we managed to get a last minute one-night reservation at Fort Worden State Park. This time around, the state park had no openings and the other option in town, the Point Hudson Marina, is so popular that you must reserve way, way in advance.

So when Leigh texted to tell me that they were staying at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds where all the sites are first come, first serve it was too good to pass up. As a bonus, when we arrived on Saturday not only did we get a spot right next to Leigh and Brian, but our friends Laura & John were also there. Since the last time we saw these two, they retired their old Airstream, spent a year renovating a new-to-them 34-foot Airstream, and got married! Needless to say, it was great to catch up with everyone.

Us, Leigh & Brian, Laura & John

We also got to spend time with Kerri and Tim again who were staying at one of the coveted waterfront sites at the marina campground.  Not sure if we are following them or they are following us, but we sure do seem to run into them a lot. Funny enough, this is the third time we’ve hung out in the last few months and I still neglected to get a photo of them. I am coming to peace with the fact that this blog will always be heavy on landscape photos and low on people photos. I mean, yes the primary objective of this space is to preserve our memories for the future, but I don’t ever want that to come at the expense of enjoying our lives. And if that means forgetting to take photos when hanging out with friends because I am more focused on conversing and laughing, so be it.

One of the few people photos I took all week – Leigh, Brian & John

Our week-long stay flew by. We had a birthday celebration for Brian at Waterfront Pizza, a night out at the excellent Propolis Brewery, a long walk to the Glass Beach, a bike ride to and around the state park, kayaking around Point Hudson, afternoon walks on the nearby neighborhood trails, several evenings spent socializing around the fire, and a trip to the small but excellent Saturday morning farmers market.

People & dog friends

A whole lot of beer tasting at Propolis Brewing

Glass Beach used to be a dumping ground for trash – now it’s a popular spot for beachcombers.

We collected a lot of glass and some little bits of pottery

Our first time kayaking in months

Tomato mania at the farmers market!

While low on both scenery and privacy, the fairgrounds turned out to be an excellent option in the area and I can see us styaign there again in the future. Until next time Port Townsend!