Monday, July 6, 2009

Alaska Marine Highway System, aka the ferry

Terminal in Bellingham and the ferry Columbia.






Sleeping in the recliners and then our "stateroom".







Did you miss us? The ferry was wonderful once we actually got on it. It took forever to load. We had to be in our vehicle at 3pm and never got on the ship until almost 6. It was very warm while we sat and waited. We were going to the next to last stop (Haines) so were one of the last to be loaded. The worst part of the entire trip but a great respite from the truck. Sorry Carl there will be no complaining. We spent the first two nights crashed in the tv/theater lounge. Not the best way to sleep. Owen was on the floor and I curled up in the lounge chair. Sort of like an airplane seat. It reclined but not much and it did have a part to rest your legs on, again just your legs not your entire lower half. Last night we scored a room. It was large enough to go in and change your mind but it had bunks and our own bathroom and shower. Ship can accommadate 499 people plus crew, we began with 409 and that number went up and down at each stop along the way. Crashing space was at a premium. We staked out our spot early in the evening to make sure we had a place to sleep that was relatively dark. We got to sleep with 30 of our new friends ;-)

1 comment:

Carl said...

Oh come on, admit it ... the first two nights were pretty much miserable and you were beside yourself with joy when you found out a cabin was available. I've done the "overnight without a cabin" thing and it -ain't- fun.

Anyway, I bet the boat ride was pretty neat during the day and I'm glad you got at least one proper nights sleep before getting back in the truck.

Have A Happy Birthday!!!