Spring is on the way!

Well, this kinda sucks…

Not too surprising, the Sidney run is not going to sail this Spring and likely not this summer, either. Lack of available crew is to blame, and quite understandably, WSF is directing resources to getting domestic service up to normal levels. Perhaps this fall service will be restored for a late celebration of the historic runs 100th anniversary, which was started with that unlikely looking “ferry” above. The idea of taking that contraption across Haro Strait gives me hives. Yes, it was only during the summer months, and yes, it is *mostly* calm in the summer, but swells can roll in from the strait and make it rather bouncy. I can’t imagine the Harvester King handled rough seas well.

The Harvester King only lasted the one season on the run, and was replaced with the converted steamer City of Angeles the following year. The run has seen a diverse number of ferries on the route, including the Rosario, Quilcene, Vashon, Klickitat, Nisqually, Evergreen State, Kaleetan, Elwha, and, on its first and only season sailing in the San Juans, the Walla Walla.

A return to pastel blue?

Looks like the government is taking back some control over B.C. Ferries. The reasons are varied, but the rumblings about the high pay for the executives for what is an ostensibly public entity has been happening for years.

I for one, say bring back the pastel blue. And the dogwood emblem/flag. Just say no to slugs.

Looks like the last days for the Malaspina…

When a “buyer expresses interest” in buying an old ferry, the phrase always strikes me like “person of interest” in a police report. Given what has become of some of the ferries after they’ve been purchased, that perhaps isn’t too far off the mark at times.

Still, one can hope that the Malaspina either gets a second life or a dignified, swift ending, and doesn’t end up with a long, slow decline like so many other retired vessels have.

Speaking of retired ferries…

Here’s an update on the Evergreen State.