Tom, my oyster aficionado boyfriend, came up to visit last weekend, so I thought I could show him some "real" oysters on the Hood Canal. We began our fun drive in Belfair and then around the South Shore, all the way around to Quilcene and then back across the Hood Canal Bridge at Shine. For local (and not so local!) Sunday drive fans, this is just a great stretch of curvy road! There are plenty of parks to stop at, interesting beaches to explore, a few wineries, and farm fresh products to buy. Not to mention the views of the Olympic Mountains to the West and the absolutely gorgeous homes to drool over and dream about. Hmmmm.... one day maybe?
First Stop
Twanoh State Park: If you haven't ever stopped here, you are missing a little jewel! The park was created by the CCC in the 1930's, most of the building are still used today - built of native logs and sturdy bricks. The beach is covered in oysters and little manilla clams, all can be yours with a shellfish license, a bucket and a little grunt work. Oysters have to be shucked on the beach, leaving the shells for future oysters to grow. Although it was a little cold and gray as we strolled out to the beach, we didn't mind. Tom was amazed at the oysters just lying on the beach waiting to be shucked and taken home!
I offered to take pictures of a group of family and friends that we met on our walk, having the best time shucking oysters and then running up to bbq them and steam fresh clams. Funny how while at the beach, it is so easy to make friends... so generous that they opened up oysters and shared them with Tom. Wow! His first oyster fresh off of the beach!
Second Stop:
Hunter Farms just past Union on the way to Potlatch. Great farmstand! We were hoping to find some fresh oysters in the shell to buy, since we couldn't take any off of the beach. No such luck here, but bought incredibly yummy local ice cream - french apple pie and pecan/caramel swirl. In my opinion, some of the best ice cream I have ever eaten! Lots of fresh corn on the cob, local squash, tomatoes and fruit.
Third Stop:
Hoodsport Winery in Hoodsport This winery has been producing wine on the Hood Canal for over 30 years! What I think sets this winery apart is that they produce wines that are made of other fruits, more than just grapes. Blackberry, Raspberry, Apple, Pear.. Their most popular selling wine is Raspberry,
the #2 seller is Rhubarb. Tom and I were the only ones in the tasting room that afternoon - what fun! We each got 6 tastings, please don't worry, they were small and we were still full of ice cream.
Of course, we had to ask what their recommendation was for enjoying with oysters. Believe it or not, it was the Rhubarb! So, we bought a bottle of Rhubarb and a very nice 1999 vintage Lemberger-Cab.
Fourth Stop:
Hama Hama Oyster Company! This was pretty cool! You can buy smoked salmon, shucked oysters, seafood salad, but best of all you can pick out your own fresh oysters (still in the shell) from their hand selected buckets. We learned so much about cooking oysters that afternoon from the extremely helpful gal in their store!
Those of you that are oyster fans probably already know that if you buy oysters during the summer months they really are only good for bbq'ing. Apparently, they are not plump because they are all used up from reproducing. Raw oysters are better to eat in the "r" months. She told Tom some inside secrets about barbecuing the right way... that's him enjoying a Martini at Mom and Dad's house!
Have to admit that I was really, really trying to psych myself up to eat bbq'd oysters. Tom was so excited about trying to cook them, and I didn't want to disappoint him, but just in case I picked out a bunch of manilla clams for me. Love the colors on the shells, and boy did they taste terrific steamed in a little white wine, sweet walla-wallas and garlic. yum!
Just a quick post to tell you all about a great home decor store that I discovered while wandering through unique boutiques and finding somewhere for a quick bite to eat. Located at 22914th St., on one of Astoria's downtown side streets, Ambiance was so welcoming, charming and filled with many of my favorite things!
Wandered in and fell in love with all they had to display, Archipelago Candles (my VERY favorite!), chunks of collector coral, polished sea shells, wine glasses with etched swimming fish and "found" items like old seaside windows and clam buckets. Botanical seashell art, driftwood pieces, oh so much to look at and touch - I was in heaven! Can you see the vintage fan on this shelf? And the white coral?
First Stop Twanoh State Park: If you haven't ever stopped here, you are missing a little jewel! The park was created by the CCC in the 1930's, most of the building are still used today - built of native logs and sturdy bricks. The beach is covered in oysters and little manilla clams, all can be yours with a shellfish license, a bucket and a little grunt work. Oysters have to be shucked on the beach, leaving the shells for future oysters to grow. Although it was a little cold and gray as we strolled out to the beach, we didn't mind. Tom was amazed at the oysters just lying on the beach waiting to be shucked and taken home! 
Have to admit that I was really, really trying to psych myself up to eat bbq'd oysters. Tom was so excited about trying to cook them, and I didn't want to disappoint him, but just in case I picked out a bunch of manilla clams for me. Love the colors on the shells, and boy did they taste terrific steamed in a little white wine, sweet walla-wallas and garlic. yum!
