Fjordin Crossin in Hoodsport!
By Rachel Hansen
Fjordin Crossin celebrates an old world Scandinavian aquavit tradition. In 1805 a special brand of aquavit, Linie Aquavit, crossed the Equator from Norway bound for the East Indies to be sold, but returned to Norway in 1807, unsold. It turned out that the sea voyage had a positive effect on the taste of the Aquavit. The old sailing ships have vanished, but Linie Aquavit still crosses the Equator on the deck of a ship and returns via Australia. It has become a celebrated Aquavit tradition.
Saturday June 22, 2024 local Hoodsport distillery, The Hardware Distillery, will launch a barrel of aged Dill Aquavit aboard a modern day sailing ship. The Fjordin Crossin Aquavit will cross Hood Canal, the only saltwater fjord in the lower 48 states, from the Port of Hoodsport to Tahuya and back. Just as the constant gentle rolling of the barrels and the sea air enhance the flavor of Linie Aquavit, each mouthful of the aged Hardware Distillery’s Dill Aquavit will contain the memory of its Fjord voyage.
This is the 6th year of celebrating a trip across the Fjord and the event has been growing each year. The day begins with the falling tide at 11AM with vendors and exhibits at the Hoodsport Marina Park and beach. Kids of all ages will enjoy the craft activities sponsored by volunteers from Explore Hood Canal.
Food vendors include local favorites, and Scandinavian specialties. Chef Patchen Gallagher will return with his roasted meats and new this year the Honey Bee Drive Inn will be serving pizza.
On the beach, the 21+ Aquavit Grotto will be serving signature Fjordin Crossin cocktails, as well as local Stottle and Hoodsport Winery wines and Potlatch Brewery beers. The Fjord Oyster Bank will be roasting Sea Nymph oysters on the beach with a Scandinavian inspired topping created by late legendary chef Xinh Dwelley.
Fun shoreside activities for the kids!
Enjoy fresh, delectable oysters hot off the grill.
A small parade will escort the barrel of aquavit from Hardware Distillery to the Hoodsport dock. The parade is led by a procession of traditional Scandinavian costumes and fiddle and accordion musicians. When the parade arrives at the dock, the Hardware Distillery launches the barrel of aged Dill Aquavit. The boat will travel from the Port of Hoodsport toward the other side of the Canal at Tahuya and then back again. When it returns, the Aquavit has been Fjordin Crossin.
To celebrate the launch, Hood Canal Events is sponsoring the Paddle the Canal Challenge following the Twanoh in canoes, kayaks, SUPs and/or small sailboats. This is a family-friendly water event. Don't have a vessel? No problem! Hood Canal Adventures will have seagoing kayaks on site for those that pre-register.
Race registration fee is $39 including race packet and bib (and prizes), kids registration fee is discounted. Thank you YSS Dive for donating trained safety boat support for the race with their dive vessels! Registration for the Paddle is open to all ages and skill levels. To sign up for the paddle, register online here: https://www.explorehoodcanal.com/blog/fjordincrossin
The activities at the Marina will end as the tide comes in at 3 PM and give attendees a chance to get to know Hoodsport and what it offers. Stop by Hardware Distillery for additional tastings and souvenir items. The weather report for this weekend is clear and sunny, 75 degrees! For additional details and to register for this event CLICK HERE.
For more information on this event and other happenings in the Hood Canal region, please visit www.explorehoodcanal.com.