The annual West Coast Wooden Kayak Rendezvous (R2K9) is the first weekend in August at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. The event is free and open to the public (donations to cover park fees gladly accepted). Bring your home-made kayak or canoe or just come and enjoy the people, boats, and activities. Expect to see strip-built and stitch-and-glue constructed boats as well as traditional skin-on-frame and folding kayaks. The adjacent beach is a great place to paddle or let the kids play.

Activities begin Friday and end Sunday with plenty of time between events to talk and try other people's boats. Demonstrations will cover some of the basic processes of kayak construction. There will be a group dinner at the Beach Kitchen Shelter on Saturday evening.

If you would like to attend, be aware that to camp or RV, reservations must be made ahead of time (the sooner the better). Reservations are accepted by FORT WORDEN STATE PARK but they are changing their policy and website. Reservations can now be made one year in advance and they are likely booked up for the summer unless there have been cancellations. You can call (360) 344-4431 to find out the status. Reservations can also be made on-line, by fax, or via mail. Details can be found at http://www.fortworden.org.

OTHER PLACES TO STAY:

JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS is less than one mile away and has quite a bit of room for camping.

OLD FORT TOWNSEND STATE PARK a few miles south of Port Townsend is open on a first-come, first-serve basis.

FORT FLAGLER STATE PARK is twenty miles away on Marrowstone Island. To reserve a campsite call (888) 226-7688.

LOCAL MOTELS and B&B's can be found at http://www.ptguide.com/accommodations/