Last On The Ferry

The happiest driver in Seattle (for a few minutes anyway)

Radio Albion
Jul 23, 2017 · 2 min read

Watching ferries depart from Colman Dock in Seattle is special — in contrast to the annoyance generated when they arrive! As passengers disembark, public restrooms are mobbed, lines are long at coffee and food counters, and getting into the terminal is impossible given the tide of humanity streaming out. And if you are attempting to travel along Alaskan Way, by car or by foot, your progress is liable to be impeded for what seems like an unnecessarily long period of time while cars driving off the ferry are waved through red lights in a long succession of traffic light sequences. It is bad enough with one ferry — but there are times when the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton ferries arrive within minutes of each other. Then it is like being around Century Link Field at the end of a Seahawks game.

But departing ferries are a different story altogether. Watching cars roll on is something we never get tired of. Washington State Ferries employees execute a precision drill as they wave vehicles this way and that way and up ramps, keeping the traffic flowing smoothly without skipping a beat. And at busy times, the excitement mounts as the vehicle decks fill up. One of those vehicles still waiting on line will be that last one on — and the poor sod next in line will have to wait for the next departure (almost an hour for Bainbridge and well over an hour for Bremerton.)

Finally, the vessel is full and all the vehicles are safely chocked. The ramp gate arm is lowered and a surprisingly flimsy barrier is secured across the stern of the vessel. A blow of the horn — and the vessel pulls away smoothly and effortlessly.

We often get to see ferries depart while waiting on the Water Taxi to West Seattle during the weekday evening rush hour. And something about the sight of the last few cars out there at the very rear of the deck always has us smiling. One of the those cars was the very last to board — and you can feel the happy relief of the occupant/s from a distance — especially on a Friday evening!

Radio Albion

Written by

Nonsense, humor and occasional wisdom from Icon, Alene and Mark.

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