It seems like forever since I had the Ducati out for a real ride. Sure, a few bike nights here an there since the last big ride to SportBike Northwest, but nothing that any truthful person could call a ‘ride’. Despite the forecast of rain, I just had to go out and ride today.

At 6:00PM, under moody skies and hardly anything resembling Spring weather, the Ducati fired up and was pointed West. It was not long until I had clear roads before me and I could ride at exactly the pace I desired. Only one pass was required all day long. After that quick dispatch I saw hardly a soul the entire evening.

Over the years riding in Kitsap, I’ve passed a wrecked building out by the little hamlet of Dewatto. Until today I’d only briefly passed it by, thinking some day I’ll scope it out as a possible spot for some on-location photography. Today seemed like a great day to do this.

The building is located on a salt water inlet named ‘The Hood Canal‘.  Technically the body of water is a fjord. In fact it was originally named “Hood’s Channel” but Vancouver (whom named it) marked it as “Hood’s Canal” on his charts in the late 1700’s.  In 1932 the US Geological Board offically name it “Hood Canal“.

The area itself is approximately 2/3 of the way south along the Eastern short of the canal, located near the headwater of the Dewatto River.

Years ago the building itself was in far better condition.  Looking around it was clear that it’s used as a party spot for people.  There is evidence of make-shift fire pits, beer bottles and other trash litter the interior of the building.

The view from inside building is quite striking on a clear day.  Sadly today was not clear.   Behind the coulds seen in this photo, is the snow covered mountain range of the Olympic National Park.  With this year’s long winter the snow pack is quite deep and low along the sides of these rugged mountains.

It was good to get out on the road, blow the cobwebs out of my riding skills and enjoy some of the best local riding I’ve ever lived near.

2 hours and 70 miles later I rolled into home with a smile on my face and the feeling of a little rejuvination after what seems like the longest winter I’ve every experience in the short 44 years I’d inhabited this world.