PORT TOWNSEND — As a thick layer of fog lifted Friday over Port Townsend Bay, the sparkling glimmer of oars could be seen in the sun near the Point Wilson lighthouse.
As they drew closer, a pack of more than 30 tribal canoes could be made out by those on the shore.
Earlier, a few canoes came in from the east — Canadian tribes arriving in the city to rendezvous with their counterparts from the states as part of Paddle Journey 2003.
All were welcomed to shore with an individual greeting by Makah tribal elder Mary McQuillen.
Each was urged to join McQuillen and the Makah for a feast and rest.
Paddle Journey 2003 began nearly two weeks ago, with some tribes coming as far as the central Vancouver Island Pacific coast.
The event involves more than two dozen tribes paddling 170 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the Tulalip Reservation near Marysville on Monday.
The Port Townsend arrival — and departure Saturday — ended the journey’s Olympic Peninsula segment.
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