Real near as it turns out. While Sam has been researching mostly in the northern part of the Olympic Peninsula it was only recently she realized there are WWII bunkers that are far closer to us in Bremerton, WA. With our big adventure looming on the horizon we were both eager to test the waters of our adventurous spirit and explore something even closer to home.

A short drive from our home is Naval Ammunition Depot Marine Park. Here several rows of concrete bunkers are overgrown by moss and fern. They are buried among towering trees and adorned with graffiti and spider webs. About 20 concrete “lockers” once held everything from anti aircraft rounds to submarine mines. These arrived by railroad from Shelton, WA and were either stored at these lockers or shipped out by boat from nearby piers.

This park certainly has a spooky vibe. Dusk quickly crept up on us but that didn’t deter us from the next leg of our mini adventure, finding the last remaining pier. After a short walk north of the park, we came upon a locked gate. We could see the shell of an old building that once processed and sent out ammunition.

This last remaining pier is tucked beside a pristine naval community that has an almost Stepford Wives vibe. As we were taking photos there was a flash of lightning then the rumble of thunder, and it made us realize the sun had set and our walk back would be in the dark.

Sam and I are looking forward to our journey to the Northern Olympic coastal defense bunkers in a few days.