SUNSET CRUISES TO PROTECTION ISLAND

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center (a non-profit educational
organization at Fort Worden State Park) has scheduled ten (10) special
sunset boat tours around Protection Island: Saturdays: July 4th, 11th, 18th
& 25th August 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th & Sept. 5th and Thursday, July 16th.
The cruises, aboard the well appointed and comfortable 65 ft. motor yacht
"Glacier Spirit", departs Point Hudson Marina in downtown Port Townsend at
6:30 pm to explore the biological and historic dimensions of this island
refuge.

These very special three hour cruises, extremely popular with birders, have
also generated increased interest among non-birders looking for an idyllic
natural science experience. Home to breeding and flyway populations of
numerous bird species including the Tufted Puffin, this National Wildlife
Refuge, off-limits to the public, also plays host to numerous marine
mammals. Over seventy-five bird species and seven mammal species,
including whales and an elephant seal, were spotted last year! The PTMSC
offers these trips as part of our educational program to enable citizens of
all ages to gain a better understanding of the marine ecosystems and
natural science interrelationships which abound in these waters.

All trips include an additional side trip to the Kilisut Harbor/Mystery Bay
area (between Marrowstone & Indian Islands), another great birding spot.
On-board naturalists, familiar with the island and the waters around the
Olympic Peninsula, provide excellent commentary on local birds, mammals,
geology and weather. The PTMSC has been providing these tours since fall
of 1994. Reservations, at $35 per person ($30 for PTMSC members, Audubon
Society or Washington Ornithological Society members) and additional info
are available at either ptmsc at olympus.net or (360) 385-5582. Rates for
children & groups are available. An on-board menu is available for dinner.