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Sea Eagle on the end tie at Poulsbo Marina.

Sea Eagle on the end tie at Poulsbo Marina.

Getting back to my Scandinavian roots, I decided to cruise on up to Poulsbo and spend a couple of days exploring the “Little Norway on the Fjord”. I can’t think of a better place for a boater to enjoy an eclectic mix of great food, waterfront entertainment and interesting culture. They take their Norwegian and Seafaring heritage very seriously in Poulsbo!

Agate Pass was interesting, with the current ripping along with us at about five knots, which was then tempered by the long, SLOW speed, no wake zone enforced by the Navy at Keyport prior to entering Liberty Bay. One of the nice things about a trawler is there’s never any reason to be in hurry.

The Marine Science Center at Poulsbo

The Marine Science Center at Poulsbo

We had a bit of a mix-up on arrival after I called the marina and they said, “oh, just tie up in any slip on E dock.” Turns out the biggest slips they had are only 40′ long and Sea Eagle was just too big for a narrow 40′ slip (they were a fun challenge with a brisk breeze blowing). The end ties were marked as reserved, but I found out that was just to keep the small boats from tying up there and moved out to a very comfortable end tie.

Thor's Hammer and Needle

Thor’s Hammer and Needle

We had lunch overlooking the marina and explored the fascinating shops along Front Street. Be sure to check out the Marina Market which boasts of a Licorice Shrine with over 350 licorices, 500+ Craft Beers, and 350 top quality chocolates (I believe them). The marina manager pointed us in the right direction for the best food in Poulsbo and I have to agree with her wholeheartedly. We had an amazing dinner at Sogno di Vino and don’t forget to stop off at Sluys Bakery in the morning for fresh doughnuts and pastries! Mmmmmmm!

On our last day in Poulsbo, we stopped by Thor’s Hammer and Needle, which is an interesting experience. Fortunately, what happens in Poulsbo, stays in Poulsbo….