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Monday, June 30, 2014

WAWeekend: Canal cruising the “Venice of the West”

In need of a shot of the beach, we headed to Washington’s Ocean Shores on an early spring weekend. Actually, I was researching an article about this place on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean; the place once envisioned to be the “Venice of the West”. That story appeared Sunday, June 29th in the Seattle Times but here's a bit more temptation for you:

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Back in the 1960’s developers had a plan to turn this entire peninsula in southwest Washington into a California-style resort home development and built 23-miles of canals (to provide more waterfront lots, some say) and also because they hoped to attract boating enthusiasts to the area.

The development never quite took off but the city that was created as a result of the project now attracts some four million tourists each year. They flock to the area for birding (some 280 species) and the beach – a six-mile long stretch of flat, drive-able (it is a state highway in places) beach. 

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We’ve visited on a couple of previous occasions but like so many who visit, never have gotten far from the beach. We had no idea how much the area has to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Researching articles does make one focus a bit more closely on places.
 
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One of the most delightful discoveries was the maze of fresh-water canals that link to Duck Lake, both located just a couple miles back from the beach. An even better discovery was the company that rents electric boats so even those of us “Boatless in Seattle” folks can enjoy the waterway that winds past homes and wooded areas that front the canals.
 
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These electric boats put along at 5 mph, which is good for this ‘no wake’ zone. . .and it was about the speed a ‘land-lubber’ like myself could handle when it came my turn at the wheel.

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Owners Tom and Nancy Kimzey take you out for a brief training session to make sure you know how to navigate the waterways and even more importantly how to dock the boat when you return it!

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You can rent these cute little cruisers by the hour or half-day. (There are no restrooms aboard but there are back at the boat company headquarters.)

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If you are headed to Ocean Shores make it a point to go cruising on the canals – you’ll be glad you did!  To reserve a boat call 360-289-0487 or 360-790-2623, www.oselectricboat.com 

We are back in Greece hoping to put a new twist on an old tale for you! (For my blogger buddies out there, I apologize that I've been a bit scarce but internet has been spotty at best.  I'll be back visiting your posts as soon as I am more fully 'connected'.) See you then and thanks to you all for today’s visit!
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5 comments:

  1. Jane and Lance HattattJune 30, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    Hello Jackie and Joel:

    This all looks to be tremendous fun and touring the canals at a gentle 5mph sounds to be quite the kind of thing even we cold manage!

    We were intrigued to read that a part of the beach is classified as a State Highway. Now that is something. We assume that the tide never comes fully in to put the 'road' in danger.

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  2. PoppyJune 30, 2014 at 5:51 AM

    Jackie, you and Joel are such 'water babies'!! No wonder Greece is so tantalizing for you, with such crystal clear coastlines! Now, this 'Venice of the West', is certainly worth the trip, I'd say, judging from the happy smile on your face! Happy sailing, my friend!

    Poppy

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  3. helen tilstonJune 30, 2014 at 11:39 AM

    Hello Joel and Jackie

    This looks like the perfect way to spend an afternoon. There is always much to see on water and always surprises.
    Thanks for sharing
    Helen xx

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  4. Rambling TartJuly 2, 2014 at 5:33 AM

    You are so cute at the wheel! :-) I've never heard of this place, but it looks like a wonderful spot for exploring. :-)

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  5. Doug and Carla ScottJuly 3, 2014 at 12:30 AM

    My family comes to Ocean Shores once a year for the razor clams - yum!

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