Washington State Ferries | The View From my Window

I recently spent 8 days back on Orcas Island, Washington where I grew up and I took over 1,200 pictures! I thought you might enjoy a photo-journey on the ferry boat. My family and I love riding the ferries – though, admittedly, when I lived there the novelty had worn off. (When it takes an hour to ride to the mainland, it’s not something you want to do all that often.) However, now that I am essentially a tourist, it’s fun again.

So…welcome to the Washington State Ferry system: without having to pay the toll or wait in line!

PS – Some people have asked me how often people do have to ride the ferries. That depends on each person/family, but most stay on the island for weeks at a time – or even months. However, there are some who ride it over daily. They walk on and keep a second car on the mainland so that they don’t have to pay to bring the car over, which costs a lot more. The island is 60 square miles, so everything you need is there: schools, churches, grocery stores, a pharmacy, gas stations, etc. HOWEVER… everything costs more due to the “import” fees! For example, when I was there in July, gas cost $4.35 a gallon…compared to about $3.53 here in Worthington.

Okay…now for the photos! Oh, and here’s a link to the ferry website…http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/ and this link tells you specifics about the fleet. http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/vesselwatch/vessels.aspx

The view coming down from Anacortes to the ferry dock. If you’re runing late and you see your ferry in the dock…you’re probably out of luck!The ferries here will take you not only to Orcas Island, but also to Lopez, Shaw, Friday Harbor, and even to Sydney, British Colombia on Vancouver Island.

Old pilings against the newer docks in the background. The old ones are much more picturesque.

There’s nothing like beachcombing.

A ferry approaches! But it wasn’t ours.

It’s COLD water!!!

The kids were dodging the waves. Such a great past-time.

Some small waves kicked up by the ferry.

A ferry, pulling in to the dock, viewed from the beach.

I just thought this was cool.

Beneath the ferry dock – what a fun place to play!

Our ferry: coming into the Anacortes dock.

Barnacles…vicious on the knees when you’re young and prone to falling.

There are 23 ferries in the entire Washington State system…though not all of those serve the San Juan islands, where Orcas Island is. This is one of the larger ships.