Sailing the Nautilus III

The Nautilus III is now moored in the Port Ludlow Marina and some of the staff had the opportunity to experience an evening on the water with Captain Karen MacDonald - and what a wonderful time it was. 

The Nautilus III is a beautiful wooden hull sailboat that was built in 1948. The boat was recently donated to the Northwest Maritime Center in Port Townsend by a woman who could no longer take care of the boat but wanted to ensure that the Nautilus III would be well cared for and enjoyed by many. 

Our group boarded the Nautilus III at 5:30pm and sailed off into Ludlow Bay. The beauty of the 67 year old boat, the water, and the views of The Resort and its surroundings evoked a feeling of serenity. The two hour sail was peaceful and relaxing and the time flew by. It was such a beautiful evening we sat outside on the aft of the Nautilus III but inside the boat is equipped with a small kitchen, bathroom, and indoor seating.

Captain Karen has a background in educating people of all ages how to sail and has been sailing professionally for 13 years. Aboard the Nautilus III you have the choice to learn and help the Captain with tasks like raising the sails or you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Our group wanted to learn more about sailing so Captain Karen taught us a few tips and tricks. We enjoyed learning about how wind direction affects the speed of the boat, tacking, and more.

We had a blast exploring the boat and I couldn't help myself from walking to the bow of the boat and snapping a few pictures. It was the perfect summer activity and I am already longing to be back aboard the Nautilus III. We moored in the Port Ludlow Marina at 7:30 and I couldn't believe it had been two hours already. 

If you have the chance this summer to sail on the Nautilus III, I couldn't recommend it more. Whether it is for a leisurely cruise or as a team building activity, you will enjoy your time on the boat and on the water.

The six person sailboat is available for charter for a two hour sail on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 5:30 pm in addition to Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm. The Nautilus III can be privately chartered upon request. 

Select wines and food are available for purchase at the Fireside Restaurant to take out on the boat. Contact the Fireside Restaurant before your sailing time to arrange at 360-437-7412.

For more information about chartered sails aboard the Nautilus III please contact The Port Ludlow Resort at 360-437-7000.

A Day Excursion to Lake Crescent

Lake Crescent

In Port Ludlow we are incredibly lucky to have 26 miles of maintained trails to hike, explore, and make memories on. With trails in both the woodlands and waterfronts varying difficulties and lengths, there’s a trail for everyone. 

Two of Port Ludlow’s most popular trails are Ludlow Falls – a ½ mile interpretive, looped trail to a waterfall and Beach Loop Trail – located at the Inn and continuing onto the beach with views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.

Many people visit the Port Ludlow and the Olympic Peninsula with the intent to make a trip to Olympic National Park and Forest.

Olympic National Park is a jewel of the peninsula. The park is over 922,651 acres and homes the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the only temperate rainforests in the United States and one of the park's most popular places. Learn more about Olympic National Park here.

One of our favorite spots to visit in Olympic National Park is Lake Crescent. The 10,000 year-old, glacially created lake is a breathtaking place where old growth conifer and maple trees reign over manicured trails and the turquoise hue of the lake is intoxicating. Native American legend describes the lake as being created when an upset mountain spirit angered by the warring Klallam and Quileute tribes hurled a boulder at the warriors killing them all and damming the river, thus forming Lake Crescent.

The drive to Lake Crescent is just shy of an hour and a half from Port Ludlow making a hiking or boating excursion at the lake a great day drip. Rent kayaks at the lake or hike one of the many trails.

The most popular trail at Lake Crescent is the portion of Barnes Creek Trail that leads to Marymere Falls, an old growth forest that leads to a 90 foot waterfall. The 1.5 mile looped trial has two vantage points of the falls. The hike is enjoyable and visually stunning. I couldn't stop myself from snapping pictures of the vast room systems and mossy trees that adorn the trail. 

The trail begins at Storm King Ranger Station and continues onto a trail lined with moss and ferns. As you continue down the trail you will cross several bridges and climb a couple sets of stairs with steep stairs to reach the picturesque Marymere Falls. People of all ages hike to Marymere Falls but it is worth noting that if stairs and inclines aren't for you Moments in Time trail might be a better choice.

Marymere Falls

Lake Crescent is a seemingly magical place encompassed by trees with views of the lake as far as you can see. Whether you choose to hike, boat, or enjoy the views you're guaranteed to treasure your time in the Olympic National Forest.

The Totem Pole Restoration is Complete

This year the Totem Pole at Burner Point at The Resort at Port Ludlow is celebrating its 20th anniversary and a recent restoration has restored the totem pole to its original glory. The restoration was completed in large part to the community of Port Ludlow and the Totem Pole Fund.

The totem pole stands 40 feet high and overlooks Port Ludlow Bay. It was carved by artist David Boxley, a Tsimshian carver from Metlakatla, Alaska, in 1995. The lumber for the totem pole came from a 720-year-old, western red cedar which blew over just south of the Hoh Rain Forest.

Boxley completed the restoration that lasted from May 4th through May 8th. Wood for new wings and a paint job refreshed the 20 year old community icon. Pacific Western Timbers, who originally provided the wood used to carve the totem pole, donated the lumber to replace the old wings.

We would be remiss without giving a big thanks to our wonderful community and those involved with Totem Pole Fund which supported the project to completion - especially Dorothy Kimble, Barbara Adams, Bonnie Lambton, Sally Hirschman, and Claudia Avicola.

Curious about what the different figures on the totem pole represent?  The six figures – the eagle, the bear, the two men with locked arms, the lumberman, the beaver, and the six interlocking figures, represent the history of Port Ludlow.

The top figure is an eagle which is reflective of the area before human habitation.

The bear, the second figure, portrays the ancestors of the local S’Klallam tribe.

The two men with locked arms, on the third figure, are Andrew Jackson Pope and Frederic Talbot who owned the sawmill in Port Ludlow that was in operation from 1852 to 1935.

The fourth figure, the lumberman, portrays the era of the Port Ludlow sawmill.

The beaver is representative of the building phase of Pope Resources, now Westharbor Homes.

The base of the totem pole has the six interlocking figures which represents the people and community of Port Ludlow.

To honor the restoration of the Totem Pole a potlatch celebration will be held on July 4th.

To attend the potlatch celebration please call the
Fireside Restaurant at 360-437-7412 to make your reservation. 

Group Events at The Resort

Every year The Resort hosts a wide variety of corporate groups, social events, weddings, overnight retreats, team building activities, golf tournaments, and much more.

Our Sales Department works diligently to ensure that all groups enjoy their stay in Port Ludlow down to the last detail.

We were so pleased that two groups below took to their own blogs to write about their group event at The Resort.

Read more about their experiences by clicking the links below.

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/strung-along-retreats/ - Retreat

http://thegsba.blogspot.com/2015/05/its-all-here.html - Corporate Group