It’s not quite open yet, but it is accessible to see from a few feet back.
In 2019 a 4 year-old male Gray Whale died from starvation and was found on a beach in Port Ludlow, Washington. To read about how the display has come to be, visit the page on it “Whale On The Wharf“, on the Port Townsend Marine Science Center’s website.
It was a good excuse to leave Whidbey Island for a few hours, via the Coupeville ferry dock.The ferry ride crossing the Salish Sea is about 40 minutes long, and is to me…one of the best ways to spend $3.95. Children are free on Washington State Ferries now, so an added bonus. On one of the dolphins (the wood/metal/plastic things that keep the ferry in place in dock) has a Seagull nest this year. In past years the Herons have built them as well. Walk the ferry on both sides upstairs and look around outside and see what you can.
A little history, zip tied onto the fencing.
It sits on the pier at the end of the Union Wharf, which is a block off of Water Street on the end of Taylor Street. It’s very easy to find and fully accessible to walking, wheel chairs and strollers. Union Wharf is 4 short city blocks from the ferry dock in Port Townsend and it’s flat the entire way.
It’s very impressive up close. While it isn’t fully finished, visitors are welcome to walk around and take a look at it.
For those wanting to learn about nature, the Union Wharf already has a number of informational plaques up, that talk about the aquatic plants and animals in the area. It’s also a great place to just stand or sit and watch the marine traffic go by – especially if you love watching fancy sail ships or the ferry.
~Sarah