Poulsbo

Launched C-Traveler this morning at the Port Orchard Boat Ramp. Then left her at the marina while I took the truck and trailer back to the C-Brat friends I’m storing it with. If you zoom in and look closely at the ramp photo, behind C-Traveler, across the water, you can see some military war ships. There is a lot of military in this area. Along my route today, there was a restricted area where torpedo testing is done. Also passed by the Discovery Bay, in Liberty Bay, that is a torpedo trial support vessel. Just before coming to the marina’s at Poulsbo, I also passed what looked like an old USCG cutter. One side the familiar USCG colors, but the other side somewhat dark. Doing a little research, I found that this was in fact an old USCG tug. The dark side is called a Dazzle pattern, and is basically camouflage to confuse enemy targeting. Currently, it appears that a non-profit group owns it. You can google USCGC 202 Comanche, to learn more about it. But this is some recent information (May 1) I found that goes beyond just the cutter!
“Sewage Spill in Liberty Bay Forces Historic Ship to Delay Departure and Impacts Volunteer Operations
POULSBO, WA — The volunteer crew of the historic U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Comanche (ATA WMEC 202) has been forced to delay its scheduled departure from Liberty Bay following a 15,000-gallon sewage spill that has contaminated the surrounding waters and compromised the safety of our crew and operations. The spill, as reported by the Kitsap Daily News (https://www.kitsapdailynews.com/.../15000-gallo…), has rendered it unsafe for our all-volunteer team to handle the retrieval of the anchor chain, which requires physical contact with seawater and sediment. Direct exposure to contaminated water could pose a serious risk of illness, particularly as our volunteers lack industrial sanitation equipment to handle polluted waters.
USCGC ATA WMEC Comanche 202, a living piece of maritime history and public education, was preparing for a cruise to Port Ludlow on May 3rd, 2025. In addition to lost time, the delay threatens mission-critical outreach programs, incurs financial costs for resupply and moorage, and disrupts the travel schedules of dedicated volunteers who have already made significant personal commitments to support this voyage…”

Checking in at the marina office, I noticed a lot of folks in a park just above the marina. Turns out there was a big resist rally happening! After the park rally, they all marched around town.

I did my part in helping the local economy with the purchase of some salt water taffy and Huckleberry fudge! I would have bought some breakfast treats at the locally famous bakery, but wasn’t willing to stand in line for it! There is also an interesting second hand marine hardware store that I spent some time in. I did find a unique rope brush to add to my boat cleaning supplies. Also checked out the Maritime Museum. Some interesting stuff in it. After returning to the boat, I went to look for a geocache at the end of the dock. Found it!Read more