Guv Gregoire Floats Million C-Notes For Ferryboats

You recall the other day we were mad as hell at the Washington State Ferries for running their boats until they rusted through, leaving everyone high and dry while new ones can be built.

WSF is still dead to us, but Governor Gregoire could make our "holiday card" list if she keeps it up. First the viaduct course correction, now she's scrounged up $100 million to pay for three new ferries. Budget, schmudget! She's all action! Plus, the Port Townsenders, come January, will be reunited with their cars on ferry trips, says the P-I:

Pierce County has agreed to loan one of its boats to the Washington State Ferries, beginning in January, to resume car service between Keystone and Port Townsend.

It's a holiday season miracle!

Even more exciting for those cheapskate Seattleites hoping to hit the high seas over the holidays, there's a new, limited-time-only Seattle to Port Townsend ferry, as of today through early January. It's a glorious 90-minute mini-cruise each way, for only $6.70 roundtrip. Now that cannot be beat.

We particularly love the Port Townsend guide's homepage, which reads: "What's New in Port Townsend - You Can Get Here!" Among other things, Port Townsend is home to Copper Canyon Press, the poetry publishers. There are also places to eat and drink, just like in Seattle. We're in, we tell you. The place is even supposed to be bike-friendly.