When you're visiting Seattle, you're bound to see those big double-ended green and white boats criss-crossing Puget Sound. They are ferries owned and operated by the State of Washington.

The Washington ferry system is one of the biggest in the world. Although they do not operate the same type of ocean-going vessels that we do here in Alaska, they move jillions of passengers and cars each year. Many Washington residents commute each day on the ferry from Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Whidbey or Vashon Island.

For visitors, the ferries offer a quick and easy way to access the West side of Puget Sound and the Olympic Peninsula. Another arm of the ferry system criss-crosses the San Juan Islands, connecting them to Vancouver Island just north of Victoria, B.C.

 

The charge for a car and driver to go to Bainbridge is just over $11 each way, and there are 23 departures each day. I rode out on the m/v "Tacoma," a 460-foot double-ended 'Jumbo Mark II'-class ferry. It will carry 2,500 passengers and 202 vehicles. With 16,000 horses, this ship cruises at 18 knots across the waters of Puget Sound.

 

On board, there is wi-fi, although you have to pay for it (from Boingo.com), cell service, vending machines and lots of chairs and benches to stretch out.

Once on the other side, I opted to drive up to Poulsbo, a cute little village about 12 miles from the ferry. I didn't stay long, but there are shops and kayak rental outfits right on the water, in addition to the mandatory espresso stands and waterfront restaurants.

My destination was the newly-constructed Hood Canal Bridge. It's not a particularly long bridge, but when they were reconstructing the bridge last year, they had to add flights to and from Port Angeles because this short passage reduces the drive time to Seattle by several hours. The bridge actually floats on the water, similar to the "520 Bridge" that links Seattle and Bellevue.

From there it's not far to Port Townsend, a wonderful waterfront town that still retains much of its 19th-century charm. However, most of the 19th-century businesses have been replaced with art galleries, craft shops, brew pubs or espresso

stores. My favorite -- right on the water -- is "Better Living Through Coffee." They had live Irish music when I stopped in for a latte. Nice. In the summer, this is a mecca for kayakers, whalewatchers, beachcombers and all manner of vacationers. It's a beautiful destination.

 

The ferry pulls right into downtown and takes you across the sound to Whidbey Island. It's not a long ride--and it's not a big ship. The m/v "Steilacoom II" carried just 325 passengers. But I was able to roll up and drive aboard without delay. Like other ships in the fleet, the Steilacoom II also had cell phone service and wi-fi service.