Just on the outskirts of the city limits of Hoquiam on the road to Ocean Shores a controversy, this weekend, has reveled itself.
The controversy is not so much about people running about neeked but rather placing the wrong name on this small stretch of gravel beach.
It seems that back in 1788 Captain Gray anchored in a shallow bay that caries his name today. This is were my story begins.
It seems that there were two brothers on board. As Frenchmen they were always arguing so Captain Gray sent them ashore to find wood and to comb the shore line for crab and Oysters.
Ned and James who’s last name was pronounced “Knowoo newDae’. It seems that no sooner than the two brothers hit the beach they were fighting. Elbows, fists, sticks and rocks were used in the ruckus.
Ned stormed off down the beach with James following him cursing at him in gutter French. About a mile down the beach they rounded a point (knew) and spotted a small Island James claimed he spotted it first and Ned claimed he should be allowed to name it because he was older. Since true islands in the area had to be named after royalty this small rock of an island was not fit for a prestegous name as Charlette or Victoria .. it was actually hardly larger than a rock.
On the way back to the long boat Ned and James continued to bicker over who’s name would be on this rock:. James Rock.. or Ned’s Rock.
It was hardly a stones throw from the long boat when once again the “Knowoo newDae’ brothers were fighting . It lasted for over an hour the two boy wrestled in the sand.
With is spy glass Captain Gray watched as the two brothers fought from the helm of the Lady Washington. He chuckled to his charts officer “that beach is hardly big enough for those to boys to fight on!”
The Charts officer answered back “What beach is that Sir?”
Gray replied “I don’t know but write down “Knowoo Dae Beach” and as far as I am concerned those boys can stay there until they settle down!”
“How do you spell it Captain?”
Gray replied: “N.O. N.U.D.E. B.E.A.C.H.”
Let it be know that the little gravel beach just west of Hoquiam on Highway 109 is named “NO NUDE” beach.. not “NUDE BEACH” but people keep leaving their towel and swim suits on the old sign covering up the “no” part!
Mark ~ Keeper of fractured harbor tails.
