The dragon’s claws
If you look at a chart of Puget Sound, and you glance up at the area around Admiralty Inlet, in the northwestern end of Peter Puget’s protected waterways, you’ll see something, well, interesting. At least, I think it’s interesting. I can’t remember now whether I was originally told about this geographical feature by someone else or if I noticed it on my own. I have heard others talk about it though, about her. Her? (In my mind anyway, the dragon of Puget Sound is female.)
Look just to the north of the Kitsap Peninsula, the eastern bulwark of the Olympic peninsula. Let your mind’s eye wander over the contours of the coastline, the subtle undulations of the tidewater zone, the sea kayaker’s home. You’ll maybe start to see the wings of a thunderlizard take shape off to the west, in the area between Discovery Bay and Sequim Bay, along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.The head of the dragon is the little peninsula of land where Port Townsend is located. Red lights on the radio towers above town are the eyes; the mouth is somewhere near the ferry dock, just south of town. That’s where I picture it to be, anyway. Legs, or the lower claws at least, are south, down near Mats Mats Bay and Port Ludlow. The tail tapers back from here to the west once more, ultimately blending into the mass of the Olympic peninsula. The forelegs of the beast, however, the claws of the immense winged reptile, are the twin islands of Indian and Marrowstone, a couple of miles south across open water from Port Townsend.
Next month, I’m teaching a sea kayaking seminar that includes a two-day trip to Marrowstone Island. It has been a few years since my last visit and I am looking forward to the opportunity for another one.
About Ken Campbell
New Release
A story of sea kayaking and science on the rugged coast of Alaska. Coming – Spring 2014.
Follow Us On Instagram
