Fjordin Crossin Returns to 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.
Sunday, May 15 local Hoodsport distillery, The Hardware Distillery, will launch a barrel of aged Dill Aquavit aboard the Twanoh. 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 4th year of celebrating a trip across the Fjord, and - except for 2020 and 2021 which were canceled due to Covid, Fjordin Crossin has been growing each year.
The day begins at 11 AM with vendors and exhibits at the Hoodsport Marina Park and beach. Everyone will enjoy the marine touch tanks hosted by YSS Dive and the Marine Education Science Society (MESS). 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 from Nina's Lake Cushman Café has plans to build an outdoor fire pit on the beach for a pig roast while The Tides Restaurant will be serving clam chowder.
Head under the boardwalk for the 21+ Aquavit Grotto. Serving signature Fjordin Crossin cocktails, as well as local Stottle and Hoodsport Winery wines and Potlatch Brewery beers, the Grotto is sponsored by the Salmon Center. Volunteers from the Salmon Center will be serving up educational information about the health of our Canal as well as roasting Hama Hama Oysters with a Scandinavian inspired topping prepared by local chef legend, Xinh Dwelley. Xinh just recently completed her 2nd cookbook.
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 on Captain Lee Geist’s boat, the Twanoh. 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. Kayak rates are $45 for single/ $80 for tandem.
Race registration fee is $19 including race packet and bib (and prizes), kids are free. 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.eventbrite.com/e/paddle-the-canal-challenge-at-fjordin-crossin-tickets-304283097937
The activities at the Marina will end 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. Remember, the month of May can bring showers on the Canal so be sure to dress accordingly. For additional details and to register for this event, visit www.fjordincrossin.com.
For more information on this event and other happenings in the Hood Canal region, please visit www.explorehoodcanal.com.