Fjordin Crossin free shuttle, paddle sign-ups going fast

Paddle the Canal kicks off at 1 p.m. June 17

Kirk Boxleitner | Jun 08, 20230

Courtesy of George Stenberg count

Vikings from last year's Fjordin Crossin.

As the Hardware Distillery and Hood Canal Events team up to stage the fifth annual Fjordin Crossin festival on June 17, event co-founder Jan Morris wants to ensure returning and new attendees know the festival's features.

Morris, co-founder of the Hardware Distillery with her husband, Chuck, said a free shuttle is set to run roughly every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Saturday to cater to those arriving early and to encourage them to explore the area later that afternoon. The shuttle runs from Hood Canal elementary and junior high school near the intersection of U.S. Highway 101 and state Route 106 to the event's main area.

The Alderbrook Resort and Spa's yacht, the Lady Alderbrook, has been a regular in each year's Fjordin Crossin festivities, but this year it's the vessel bearing the Hardware Distillery's barrel of aged Dill Aquavit in crossing the fjord.

Those interested in booking passage on the Lady Alderbrook for Fjordin Crossin can do so through the Alderbrook Resort. Kayak rentals are also available.

To give Fjordin Crossin fans a taste of the annual event, the Morrises are selling bottles of Dill Aquavit, complete with sticks of the same wood used to make the same barrels in which it's aged so consumers can age their own bottles.

Morris touted more food options this year, especially more Scandinavian food, with chef Patchen Gallagher preparing an old-world roasted pig, plus pickled herring potato salad.

Gallagher is set to be joined by culinary artisans from the Skål Beer Hall in Seattle, with Hri's Fika Bar offering Norwegian midday snacks and treats, and chef Xinh Dwelley demonstrating her command of toppings and spices through the Fjord Oyster Bank menu, all while The Tides Restaurant ladles out clam chowder.

The Aquavit Grotto under the Hoodsport dock will be mixing specialty cocktails and a custom-made ale in honor of the Fjordin Crossin festival has been brewed by the Morrises' son Cody, founder of Potlatch Brewing in Hoodsport. The Stottle and Hoodsport wineries will be serving their varieties.

Kids of all ages can make contact with both domesticated and wild animals, thanks to the Salmon Center and YSS Dive teaming up to stock a "touch tank" with creatures such as sea stars and other aquatic fauna, while the Norwegian Elkhound Society of Shelton is bringing a pack of what Morris deemed "surprisingly small" dogs, who "love to be petted."

The food, libations and vendors are due to open at 11 a.m. at the Hoodsport dock. For those who haven't registered yet, registration for Paddle the Canal should also open at 11 a.m., although Morris warned that, as of June 2, 30 of the maximum 50 entrants had already registered.

Canalside, a gift shop in Hoodsport, and the Hoodsport Kiwanis are also making preparations to stock tents full of activities for children.

The parade from Hardware Distillery to the Hoodsport dock with a barrel of Dill Aquavit is set to start at 12:40 p.m., led by Scandinavian fiddle and accordion musicians. All are free to join in the procession.

When the parade arrives at the Hoodsport dock, the Hardware Distillery plans to. launch its barrel of Dill Aquavit on the Lady Alderbrook, which is slated to travel from the Port of Hoodsport and head part of the way toward Tahuya, before turning back.

This crossing the fjord is expected to begin at 1 p.m., and when the Lady Alderbrook returns, the Aquavit will have officially been crossed.

The Paddle the Canal challenge, organized by Kerry Myers of Hood Canal Events, is timed to kick off at 1 p.m., and again, all those who wish to compete are invited to join, which typically sees entrants taking to the water on an assortment of canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and small sailboats.

Paddle the Canal is $39 for adults and $29 for children.

While the planned events officially end at 3 p.m., Morris said the afternoon is just the start of the anticipated after-party in the town. She said she hopes celebrants will take the opportunity to stop by its shops, dine at its restaurants, or check out Hardware Distillery and Potlatch Brewing.

For more information, visit http://www.fjordincrossin.com.