Ferry Day - Haines AK
Trip Start
Jun 28, 2008
1
20
22
Trip End
Jul 19, 2008
Haines,
Alaska,
United States
Monday, July 14, 2008
Weather: Cloudy and Cool
Alex and I slept in because we were to report to the Alaska Ferry terminal at 1800 so we had time to kill. I had done our laundry the day we arrived so we had clean clothes.
We checked out of the Fort Seward Lodge at about 1100 and headed down to the harbor. The ride was comfortable and manageable - all 300 yards of it. At the harbor we parked and locked the bike an headed out on foot to explore Haines. I could tell this would not take long since you can walk from one end of town to the other in about twenty minutes (or less). Haines definitely has that quaint small Alaskan town feel. You know, small shops mingled with 'cozy' bars.
All Liined Up!
. The Fogcutter Bar seemed to be the main attraction on Main Street. One of the gift shops had a sign outside proclaiming locally owned not like the cruise line owned shops over in Skagaway. In fact, I think the sign said "we're (Haines) not like Skagaway". So after buming around (literally) Haines for hours (library, beach, dock, shops, church lawn) 1800 finally rolled around and we headed to the ferry terminal. We pulled in to lane 1 the 'motorcycle' lane. We were number three in line. Several more motorcycles pulled in behind us shortly thereafter. This was great, the fellowship of the motorcycle began in earnest. The time went by quickly as we swapped stories and admired each others bikes. Soon the M/V Kennicott arrived.
We watched as cars and large RVs unloaded some having to back up the ramp. I thought those 5th wheel RVs must have cost a fortune to ride the ferry up here. I mean isn't the point of an RV to avoid paying for lodging? Anyway, it soon was our turn and so we began what was to become our motorcycle 'battle drill' (a battle drill is an action executed quickly on command). As I pulled down in to the car deck, I was motioned where to park by a ferry worker. The motorcycles were stacked in very tight. We were told where to park, tie-down our rides, grab our stuff and get out - quickly. What a circus! Fortunately I had a pair of tie-downs after a friend who had made the trip a couple of years ago suggested I bring them. I quickly tied-down the Harley grabbed our bags and headed to the purser's desk. There we grabbed our keys and headed to our 'cabin'. It was more like a pantry with two bunks and sink. I shouldn't complain many passengers were sleeping on deck chairs or pitching tents on the deck.
We finally got underway at 2030. It felt good to be moving again.
