tomclegg.net |
Last Ferry Posted July 8, 2003 Horatio and I rode the last ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay today. I left North Vancouver at about 8pm. I found 1A, 99, and 17. As I approached the ferry terminal, traffic got very thin, then even more thin. At each intersection, it seemed like everyone except me was going some other way. I kept thinking, "oops, I must have missed a this-way-to-the-ferry sign." Then, "oh yeah, anyone else intending to take the ferry would already be on it by now." I slowed to 60, then to 40, as the signs suggested. If I worked at a ferry terminal, I would have uncharitable feelings toward the people who become exempt from speed limits when they're late. I pulled up to the only open ticket booth and made a crack about being from the Kootenays and being late. The attendant got on her radio to ask if the ship could take one more. "A car?" "Yes." "Go ahead." She took my money, smiled big, and sent me to lane 41. I tried to drive 20 but Horatio could only manage 30. The entire ground crew ushered me onto the lower deck. On the radio: "Any more?" "No." I parked behind the last transport truck. A crew member stuck a block under my wheel. We sailed. 8:56 pm. No waiting. |