When you live on an island, life revolves somewhat around a fleet of big white boats that float to and from the mainland. If the ferry is late, you’re late. If the ferry is broken, you’re really late. And if the shipping lanes are shrouded in a layer of fog, forcing every ferry to putt along at roughly the speed that grass grows, you’re not just late…you’re screwed.

Even though I work from home and only commute to the mainland once or twice a week, it still took a while to adjust to the rhythm of the ferries after we moved to Vashon Island. Some never get there and leave the Rock behind forever after just 18 months or less. Others find their zen in living life on island time and the only way they’ll ever leave this place will most likely involve a pine box.

Me? I’ve come to love the ferries.

In fact, so did a certain young aquatic visitor we all remember around here. Her affection for the ferries that sail to and from Vashon Island turned into an international media event just a few short years ago. It’s a “tail” worth revisiting.

Jeff Hoyt
Vashon Island, WA
11.14.05

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There’s some pretty cool music in this podcast. Go find any of these songs in iTunes:

“New York City” by Randy Newman
“Safety in Numbers” by Joan Osborne
“Biking Home” by Lisa Gerrard
“Whale Song” by Pearl Jam
“I Love the Rain” by The Real Tuesday Weld

Springer spyhopping near Vashon Island
(photo by Mark Sears - 2002)