STORIES

With OysterFest the first weekend of October, we know its a great time to harvest oysters! Many of Washington’s public beaches are open year-round, and all you need is to check the tides and open beaches — grab your bucket, gloves, shucking knife, shellfish license, and head out to the local beach! As Jeff heads over to Verle's LLC to pick up his license and get tips on the best beaches to visit, join local harvesters Michael and Charlotte as they head to Hood Canal’s Eagle Creek beach to fill their frying pan and demonstrate shucking techniques and a quick and easy recipe for a beachside cookout! Can’t get any fresher!

There are over 150 varieties of oysters harvested and sold in North America, yet they comprise a total of only 5 species of oysters.

Each year, volunteers at the Union River Chum Trap count thousands of migrating chum salmon to help monitor fish returns and assess the impact of estuary restoration. The trap uses a weir system that directs the fish into a pen, where volunteers identify and count them based on their unique markings. The majority of the fish are chum salmon, with distinct green backs and tiger stripes, especially on males. Volunteers contribute nearly 10,000 hours annually, and the Salmon Enhancement Group credits improved estuary conditions for increased fish returns. The project fosters community involvement, with families and kids encouraged to participate.

Adopt-A-Pet in Shelton has been rescuing animals for over 45 years, operating as a volunteer-based organization dedicated to finding homes for dogs. Currently open for adoptions by appointment, they are looking to reconnect with the community through tours and events to showcase their improved facilities. Adopt-A-Pet emphasizes the importance of finding the right match between pets and owners, often involving home visits and dog introductions. They continue to advocate for spaying and neutering to control the pet population and prevent health issues. An open house event is planned for the 28th to invite the public to learn more.

Learn the history of the Allyn Waterfront Park, through the eyes of Dan Griffey, who grew up right next to where the park is. Dan shares memories of his father attending port meetings to secure the land for the park, a process that took time to complete. When the park started, it was a great place where Dan played ball with his friends, and eventually the community raised money for a gazebo. Despite his initial disappointment about losing the baseball field, Dan expresses pride in the park's development and its significance to his family and the community. The park now hosts various events, including Allyn Days and Memorial Day services, a testament to the community's hard work and pride.

During COVID, Mason PUD3 installed free public Wi-Fi hotspots to help keep kids connected, a service that continues today across Mason County. These hotspots, designed for easy access in areas with challenging terrain like Mason County, allowed residents to download school materials and other data. The Wi-Fi locations, placed in community centers and high-density areas, have seen significant usage, with daily bandwidth reaching 185 gigabytes. The service is community-focused, ensuring that even non-customers can benefit from the connectivity, emphasizing the community-owned nature of public power.

The art scene in Shelton is expanding, with new galleries, murals, and the upcoming opening of Graffiti, a mixed-use art space run by Nicole Frazier. Graffiti aims to be fully accessible, offering art classes and opportunities for both children and adults. The space will host a variety of art forms, from glasswork to woodworking, and will feature resident artists teaching and selling their work. Some of the plans include offering Native American culture classes and having a Lending Library to make art accessible for all who wish to teach or create.

Hood Canale' in Union, Washington, offers a dining experience with water views, wood-fired pizza, and great wine. Owners John and Jolica DeLeva created the space with Italian tradition and Hawaiian influence, reflecting their family roots. The restaurant, known for its homemade dough and carefully selected toppings, has become a local favorite, attracting visitors worldwide. With its welcoming atmosphere and scenic location, Hood Canale' is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a slice of pizza with a glass of wine.

Annie's Quilt Shop on Olympic Highway North In Shelton, WA is a destination for quilting enthusiasts, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Quilting is a growing industry, projected to reach $5 billion in the next few years. Customers travel to Annie's from across and outside the state for the new patterns and fabrics while locals enjoy personalized lessons and group classes to get the most out of their hobby.

The Fair Harbor Marina, located at the Port of Grapeview, continues to grow in popularity. Managed by Kelly Granger and his team, the marina offers 82 slips with power, water, showers, and laundry facilities; making it a convenient stop for boaters. The marina's beauty has drawn comparisons to Cape Cod and Roache Harbor on San Juan Island, and it has become a venue for weddings, corporate events, and more. An additional 8-minute dingy ride gets you to the Port of Allyn, where you can find dining and drinks.

Nestled in the foothills of the Olympic National Forest, Lake Cushman boasts a stunning and challenging nine-hole golf course. This beautiful course surprises first-timers with its difficulty, defying expectations of a typical short and easy nine-hole layout. The area also offers a variety of short-term rental options, from RV lots to woodsy cabins and golf course homes. The course is well-maintained, with daily cleanups to ensure it’s in top shape for golfers.

With their brilliant colors and unique patterns, these vibrant sea slugs captivate divers and underwater photographers alike. Despite their small size, nudibranchs' diversity, intriguing behaviors, and ecological significance make every encounter unique

Hoodstock, Mason County's 3 day floating music and arts festival, is back with an exciting lineup for 2024. There will be vendors, food trucks, and more music! The festival supports local community initiatives and features diverse music genres, from folk to rock. Mark your calendars for August 15-17!

A new gallery called the Flywheel has opened in Hoodsport Washington, fulfilling Jan Morris' lifelong dream of showcasing local artists and watercolor paintings. The gallery features works from regionally known artists, including Scott Fife and the late Howard Leggett. The Flywheel is a perfect spot to appreciate art and the natural surroundings of the Hood Canal.

Port Of Hoodsport Commissioner Cody Morris talks about the Port of Hoodsport public dock, its recent updates, and future plans. After structural failures last winter, they secured emergency funding for repairs just in time for shrimp season. The dock is a popular spot for divers, fishermen, and visitors to downtown Hoodsport's shops and restaurants.

Hama Hama Oysters continues to provide high quality food and views with this oyster farm and seafood store along the shores of the Hood Canal in Mason County, Washington. One of the popular attractions is the A-Frame seating option. Borne out of social distancing, this unique feature has become the must-try for anyone making the stop.

The 29th annual Grapeview Art and Water Festival takes place on the last Saturday of July at Fair Harbor Marina. The festival offers a variety of food, live music, and numerous free activities for children, including a kid's activity zone with woodworking, crafts, and face painting. For adults, there’s a popular floating green for golf and an impressive display of art from local artists.

As more people move to and rent out homes in the beautiful rural areas of Mason County, it's crucial to be aware of the significant wildfire risks we face. With the increasing heat and dryness, wildfires have become a real concern, especially for those living in the wildland-urban interface.

BriAnne Lesman's first job was in 2015 at the El Sarape Cantina, and it's blossomed from there. Getting some input from the business owners helps her start the idea and after that, she's off and painting.

Wildfires can pose a significant risk, and everyone must stay vigilant. Matt Welander from West Mason Fire discusses some essential tips for staying safe during your camping trips.

Named for one of the Olympic Peninsula’s most majestic animals, the two small Elk Lakes located within the Hamma Hamma River Valley offer quiet wanderings and a chance to see their namesake. The Elk Lakes offer a great alternative to the nearby oft-crowded Lena Lakes. While this hike is short, the lake’s tranquil shoreline and surrounding old-growth forest invite lingering. Bird watching is good as well as fishing for rainbow trout. Rhododendrons add colorful bouquets to the forest in spring, while maples and cottonwoods brighten the forest with golden touches come autumn.

The whales are in Hood Canal! These last few weeks Hood Canal and South Puget Sound have produced a lot of exciting sightings of whales in the area.

Looking for live music events this summer? Look no further than Hood Canal. June through August the rhythms are strong in the shadow of the Olympic Mountain range with tunes to suit every taste!

Imaginations are inspired by the Stump House, a large hollowed out Red Cedar that has been outfitted with a door way, window openings, and a split-shingle roof.  

Case Inlet, at the mariner’s northeastern edge of Mason County, is home to many magical island getaways. Reach Island (AKA Treasure Island), verdant Stretch Island, secretive Herron Island, tiny McMicken Island, and Harstine Island all have interesting histories and unique characters.

Well-known for its year-round family-friendly campground (complete with yurts) and excellent fishing and shell fishing opportunities, the park also contains a wonderful network of year round accessible hiking trails.