Cabin Fever

Is it just Seattlest or is this the Fridayest Thursday in a long time? We'd like to comment on how the first of the ELF guys has been sentenced down in Oregon and how he's going to do 13 years for his acts of terrorism despite turning in other members of The Family, but the only thought that will stick right now is how we're going to get the hell out of here tomorrow. I'm headed west, hopefully on an early ferry, and then up to a forest service cabin on Hood Canal; a plan (and a reservation fee) that I was more than willing to ditch entirely had the Beastie Boys panned out on Friday night, but unfortunately I was a little too aggressive on the refresh button and got shut out.

So, ferry regulars, what are my chances of making landfall west of the Bay before it gets dark tomorrow? The WSF site offers little hope:

Adding sunshine and blue skies to this three-day weekend can mean traffic backups on Friday afternoon and evening westbound and again on Monday, eastbound, as travelers return home. To meet these additional demands, Washington State Ferries will provide extra service on key routes but travelers should still expect some delay at their ferry dock.

Any tips or tricks for getting on a ferry in the afternoon on a busy weekend? Maybe try Bremerton rather than Bainbridge? Maybe, uhg, Kingston? Maybe it'd be faster to just kayak across from Shilshole? If there's some secret Stonecutters handshake that I can do at the ferry terminal or something to get waved into the fast lane, please, let me know.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@seattlest.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Dan in News on May 24, 2007 11:32 AM

Comments [rss]

Carmen

I'd agree with Jake about the Bremerton ferry--it is a longer ride, but you're much less likely to have to wait for the next ferry (the Bainbridge-Seattle route has the most ridership--both autos and walk-on passengers--over any other route in the WSF system, far beyond any other route). Enjoy your weekend!

Jake of 8bitjoystick.com

Well as some one who is quite intimately involved with following the ferry system I would recommend you take the longer but more reliable Bremerton run.

Some times they let more cars into the ferry terminal than will fit on the Bainbridge boat and you have to wait for two trips until you can go. However on the Bremerton boat they don't let you in unless there is room for you on the boat so it is much more reliable.

However bring a book since there is no wifi or anything on the hour long Bremerton run and try to get there 20 mins before the boat is scheduled to leave.

Also bring your own beer but drink it in the galley since they charge 5.50 for a cup of Redhook on the ferry.

Plus then you get to kick in in B-Town Bremalo style!

Ferry Rider

Avoid Edmonds-Kingston, and bring your laptop so you can use the wi-fi at the dock while you wait. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon on the Seattle waterfront. Commuter Comforts in the Colman Dock building has great wine and snacks, and Ivars has a fantastic Happy Hour.