Port Townsend, WA (USA)

[CFLSW Inspection Trip] For once, didn't have to leave early for the airport... I arrived at DFW at around 1045, using parking lot this time (vice getting a ride from Nicky), and made my way quickly through Security.  After that, I arrived at the gate with plenty of time to spare (1130) and was on the (American Airlines) aircraft well before our scheduled departure time (1240).  Unfortunately, we then had to wait for a maintenance issue. Eventually, our flight to Seattle-Tacoma departed and, after being the air for about four hours, we somehow arrived on time (just before 1500L). I managed to get my Hertz Rental Car without much difficulty (1520) and left the airport property.  From the air, I'd seen the rush hour traffic going north through the city, so decided to go around the "scenic" way across the Olympic Peninsula. This was actually a little bit of a risk, since I didn't know the ferry schedule (or there even WAS a ferry). Drove down I-5 to Tacoma and then took WA-16 out to Bremerton (first time to see that big Navy area). If my ship-number memory is correct, the "Kitty Hawk" and "Constellation" (where I got my first traps) were resting peacefully there. This side was amazingly rural - all the way to the end of Route 16. Then on WA-3 (checked out quaint Port Gamble) to the Hood Canal and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains as I crossed! Turned north on WA-19 and intercepted WA-20 near Port Townsend. To my relief, found the ferry runs year-round - and that I had about an hour before the next one. Took a little time to look around town and get some souvenirs. As I recall, I was last in the town with the family in 1979 - the summer wait for the ferry was MUCH longer! Onboard on time for the ride over to Whidbey Island. Talked with a local lady on the way across - she has lived on most of the islands in Puget Sound - and learned about the local festivals and other points of interest. Our ferry arrived on the Island at a place located just inside the Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve.  I got a glimpse of this NPS unit in the setting sun. After that, my drive up to Oak Harbor was uneventful (except for being dark). Saw signs of the Penn Cove Mussel Farm [which, I learned later, was sponsoring a Festival during my visit]. Arrived at the NAS Whidbey Navy Gateway Inn (my lodging for the week) at around 2100L.  I was tired from my long day and spent the evening getting settled and watching TV before going to bed.  Whew!