Eloise in Lilliwaup
July 16 and 17, Weds & Thurs
Having never been on a drive-on ferry, we arrived bright and early for the trip over to Bremerton from Seattle. In fact we were first in line. The ferry came in and dropped off the folks coming over from Bremerton and then we drove aboard and were in the pole position coming off. The ferry ride over took about and hour and a quarter and while the sun was bright and shining, the breeze on board was anything but warm. The ride over gave beautiful views of Seattle as well as fantastic overviews of Puget Sound. The ferry ride was an excursion in and of itself. It was a fun trip over and once we got there, it proved to be a beautiful drive on our way to Lilliwaup.
On a side note, David my brother, was stationed at Bremerton for a year or two during his time in the Navy. It used to be a submarine station and David was on the Submarine Queenfish.
We drove along the Hood Canal down to our final destination of Hama Hama at Lilliwaup. This is where our friend, Beth Robbins, better known as Eloise, lives. We met her on the 2024 world cruise.
Her home is on the same property that her family has
inhabited for over a century, Hama Hama is now a 6th generation
operation. It is on the Hood Canal, and wow, how beautiful! First known for their logging industries,
then later their oyster industry. Now,
it is a bit of both.
After some big hellos, we had a bite of lunch at Eloise’s house. A salad trio, complete with fresh home-grown cherries (Washington State cherries are 6.99/lb. at home)! After that, we went on a walk through the family farm where all kinds of flowers and vegetables are grown.
Fruit trees and wildflowers also dotted the pathway down to the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon. We got an inside look (the quarter tour) at the oyster farm and the back rooms of the operation, where live oysters, clams and more are served up and also shipped to many farm to table restaurants as well as individuals. There is a gift shop and eatery there, as well as a floating sauna! On the weekends in summer, they have live music, and it is a fun-filled day! I can say there will be an order going out to Nashville soon.
The next day, we took the big "Walk About" as we walked along the same trail that Eloise and her siblings walked as children around the vast property. There is so much family history here, and every picture, item, plant, rock and tree tell a story. Some of Eloise's relatives live on the property still. Her niece and nephew run the oyster part of Hama Hama. Click on this recent article to learn more about Hama Hama. Eater Seattle
It was such a treat to see so many different kinds of trees ….
Sequoia, Douglas Fir, Spruce, Cottonwood, just to name a few. We even took a “pull across trolley” which
pulled us across the river! LeRoy and Eloise pulled ... Vi was the ballast! It was an adventure just
like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. Once
across the river we ended up at the beautiful blue pool – it was so blue,
peaceful and serene. We took a rest.
The afternoon was for recovering and catching up on naps,
books and laundry. Dinner was a
succulent paella with fresh Hama Hama oysters and clams over black and wild rice. Delicious!
What a day! We will have precious dreams tonight.
Friday, July 18
The next morning, we awoke to some
scrumptious berry crisp and rich coffee, followed by a short walk before it was time to leave. The reluctant farewells were difficult, but what a treasure these couple of days were. It was a wonderful and wonder-filled time, restful and restorative
both. It wasn’t good-bye, but until next
time. Thanks, Eloise in Lilliwaup. You were the perfect hostess! Come see us soon! Off to Olympic National Park.
LeRoy and Vi
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