I wonder if a ferry can get fan mail

Before we ever laid eyes on her, sister and I were enamored with the Whatcom Chief ferry.   It's the ferry across Hale Passage from Gooseberry Point to Lummi Island.   Sister had sent me videos of a rough crossing and we had read of times when service was interrupted because of weather.   It was at this point that I begin to think of the ferry as "the little engine that could" or some other childhood tale of a feisty tug boat that kept on chugging no matter the obstacle.  

From our maiden voyage across the passage, to watching the ferry return to the island after we drove off for the last time, we loved everything about it.  It's size - we think it held about 20 cars, the workers - who carefully guided us to the exact spot they wanted us in, and in general just the whole idea of the ferry.  

From the beach at our cottage we could see it off in the distance and we would yell "sister!  the whatcom chief is making a crossing!" 

We watched it when we had breakfast on the porch at the Beach Store Cafe, wondering why it looked so much smaller, feeling just a bit dumb when the waitress told us it was because the tide was low.  As they say, you really don't know what you don't know.

On our last trip I hopped out of the car to get a picture of the captain.  I think that's what the "driver" is called.  On all previous crossings I had stayed securely in my seat.  I felt more brazen on that last crossing.  I wanted to feel the ferry directly beneath my feet instead of through the car. 

It's not every vacation where you get to take a ferry to and from your island. 

But I wish it could be that way.  The Whatcom Chief definitely added a unique charm to our time on Lummi Island.   I wonder if a ferry can get fan mail?   

Comments

[Vicki in Michigan]

I am sure the people who work to make sure the ferry does its job would love to receive fan mail. :-)

I took a ferry from Toronto a week and a half ago. Just one round trip, though. There is something about commuting by boat, isn't there? :-)

[Christy]

Two ferries that I have been on which have now been replaced by bridges is the ferry to the Isle of Skye and the ferry to P.E.I., I understand the romantic side of taking the ferry, so much more than just driving a bridge. Thanks for sharing , always enjoy your posts.

[sisterrrrr]

i am certain the WCF would love to receive a love letter. positive! i'm going to post this on their twitter feed! and you can't stop me.

[Diana]

I was charmed reading about this little ferry. On our San Juan Island vacation a few years ago we took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor but it was a big one. Still a very cool experience.

[jacki long]

So Charming, Carol!
Thanks again for adding to my mental scrapbook.
Thank you fir it and for you. ♥