Washington State Ferries — Local services in Seattle

An unexpected 1/2 day in Seattle...what to do? Grey's Anatomy re-enactment it was! I decided to head to Bainbridge Island and do a "Derek Shepherd" impression; looking pensively over the waters towards the city. (Leaving Bill and Melinda's house on Mercer for another day y'all :)

For less than the price of admission to a movie, I was granted round-trip panoramic mountain and ocean views. The ferry ride alone is worth the trip.

I walked on (construction on the harbour front but access still convenient). Just like ferries at home, there are washrooms, food & drink and diversions on board. There are also huge tables if one feels like a meal or has work to do.

The terminal in Seattle had an overwhelming odor of popcorn that day. Not unpleasant... There were rogue pigeons, a wine bistro, fast food, a convenience store etc.

I bought a ticket online but you can also purchase at the booth there. I had a small moment of panic when I didn't understand how to scan my ticket through the machine (slide the bar code through the diagonal slot at the top of the turnstile) and could not find help among the rushing passengers. However, an employee came to my rescue.

If you hesitate on the foot-ramps while embarking or getting off, it's possible to get really choice pics of the...

I know the ferry system has gotten a lot of flack lately, but I love my ferry system. They always treat me with respect and get me where I need to go. I, unfortunately, have multiple disabilities which make the ferry ride painful for me. The vibration causes pain and tension, and I have to take medicine to ease that pain every time I ride the ferry. I have to take pain meds, in any case, due to the severity of my back issues, but I have learned to control my pain as long as I remember to take the medicine on time. The ferry personnel always get me close to a restroom or the elevator (I prefer the toilet) and I am able to get quick relief every trip (crucial for me, after all I am 70 years old now and, embarrassingly, have to wear a Depends). Thank God for the greatest ferry people on earth!

Photos show a ride on a day when I was parked at the front of the ferry. That doesn't happen often but it made my day! Thanks WSF and ALL the good folks running the ships, stakeholders, too....

First, I am waiting at Seattle terminal for ferries that are running 20+ minutes behind. Second. Will they ever finish construction here? Third, most of the deck crew have no idea what they are doing or how to direct cars. Yesterday on the Edmunds ferry a crew member told me to drive in one lane, then another guy told me to switch. Someone yelled, “no, keep him in this lane!” And then the crew member was pointing with his finger to the other direction like a basketball hook shot while he was jumping! Really? This is professional DOT approved ferry crew? Not to mention how expensive it is to get on the ferry with a trailer. Under 50ft is $110! Tiny hot dog is $6? I thought these WA State people weren’t capitalists profiting on the commutes of the working class… Ahh, we paid for the 3:50 boat, that left at 4:10… now we are slated for the 4:45pm boat… it’s not even here! Gross incompetence. Replace the director and find...