Thursday, September 12 (the final chapter)
The ferryboat returning us to Kingston is called the Spokane. Before walking up the ramp, the crew and I stop at the ticket booth to pay the fare of $7.70 for one adult walk-on passenger.
(I’m a month short from the senior discount fare of $3.85 for 65-and-older. What a deal!)
Instead of tackling another set of steep, metal stairs, I steer the crew over to a small elevator. A clutch of people wait for the doors to open. When they fill up the elevator and a lady holds the door for us, I smile and say, “Thank you. Go ahead. We’ll wait.”
Spike and Bridget watch the doors come together. A few minutes later they open again. Now the crew knows what to do having seen what the people did. They move right in.
Spike is serious and thoughtful about the procedure. Bridget acts silly.
“Your first elevator ride! Isn’t this exciting!”
The doors open and I lead us out and over to the railing so I can watch our departure from Edmonds.
Several sights and sounds come together as if composed for dramatic effect.
The ramp folds up, the engine rumbles, and white water churns below. On land a city bus rounds a corner and climbs an Edmond street. People stroll the beach.
Gulls screech and reel and the Spokane sounds her horn, followed by a train’s warning . . . two longs, a short, and a long.
A misty breeze blows my hair about my face. I breathe in the smell of the sea.
Exhilarating!
Once underway the three of us stroll the deck. Not many people on the return trip either.
The Spokane moves much faster than the Puyallap did, now that the fog isn’t as heavy. A couple with a little girl and a babe-in-arms are nearby. I offer to take a family photo which I do with their iPhone.
Suspecting Spike could use another rest, I take a bench seat. The crew lies down underneath and, sure enough, Spike dozes off.
When we approach the Kingston dock, the announcer comes over the loudspeaker with the usual instructions.
What happens next makes me laugh whenever I think of it.
Spike emerges from under the bench and looks at Bridget and me as if “Okay, you heard him. It’s time to go.” I grab the leashes and Spike leads us to the center of the boat, walking straight to the elevator doors!
He stands motionless and stares at the seam of the elevator doors, like an impatient commuter. The only things missing are his briefcase and blackberry. He waits, fixated on the doors. They separate and he confidently steps into the empty elevator with Bridget and me following.
I burst out laughing.
“Spike, you’ve got this all figured out, don’t you!” He turns and faces the doors from the inside, fixing his gaze on the seam and waiting intently for them to open again. This dog is hilarious! Too bad he can’t reach the buttons with the arrows on them. I laugh my way out of the elevator.
As I’ve mentioned, pets are not allowed in the interior areas.
However, it’s okay to walk through, such as when disembarking. Bridget and Spike march right along with no stopping or sniffing or other such canine nonsense. They know how to act on a ferry! It’s time to walk to the ramp!
I’m extremely proud of my crew today.
Several people during both rides, across to Edmonds and back to Kingston, comment what nice dogs they are, they’re so well-behaved, etc.
Unfortunately I ate a dang chicken sandwich at a Dairy Queen on the way out of Poulsbo before our ferry rides. It filled me up so I’m not hungry for the crepes being sold at a cafe near the terminal.
We walk on by, cross the street, and cut over to the public parking lot.
First thing, I open up the side door and put the crew’s water dish on the pavement. Boy, are they thirsty! They slurp it up and hop into the PTV.
“Wasn’t that fun, guys? What a day!” I exclaim as I drive us out of the lot. “What a day,” I repeat to myself, taking a last look at the ferryboat.
Once over the Hood Canal floating bridge at Port Gamble, I remember the town of Chimacum.
Hmm . . . a short detour and we could go back to the Chimacum Corner Farmstead and pick up some more of those luscious pears and peaches. They have some organic doggie snacks in that jar by the cash register. The crew deserves a treat.
Gee, while we’re there . . . might as well shoot over to the Chimacum Cafe and get a big slice of wild blackberry pie to go.
rvsue
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What a delightful trip. Spike and Bridget deserve one of those treats. I think their behavior is more of a reflection on their owner, you’ve trained them well. I don’t know if I could pas up crepes even if I was full. But wild Blackberry pie sounds scrumptious. I think I would have to get a whole pie.
On a more somber note, have you heard from Elizabeth at the ranch. I’ve sent them an email with my condolences and prayers. I know you don’t like campgrounds but the Escapee Coops are special places, More like a large family instead of just campers. I know they are devastated over their situation and wish them a quick and full recovery.
Hi, Alan,
No, I haven’t heard from Elizabeth. She may still be at the shelter. I don’t know the latest news. If she is in touch, it will be here in the comments section. I doubt her mind is on us right now. I hope she and Clyde the cat have a happy reunion.
Yes, I’ve picked up on the atmosphere at Escapee parks. People take pride in their homes there and they participate in many social activities. Elizabeth is a live wire, playing her piano at get-togethers. I hope everything turns out okay for her and the rest of the Escapees. It must be hard on all of them.
I’m just so worried sick about the story of Elizabeth’s park. I mean, thank God they were rescued, but leaving the cat behind… she must be just frantic with worry. Hoping for a miracle – they’ve been known to happen.
I have done a little bit of looking on the web and found one report about the ranch. Best news I heard was it wasn’t the high flow type of flooding, but what they called sheet flooding. The whole area they are in is a flood plain for a nearby river. The water just creeps across the land in a sheet. Hopefully there won’t be much damage to the RV’s as long as there is no undercutting, but anything on the ground will be filled with mud. I hope this is true.
Thanks, again, Alan.
It sure sounds like a fun day. Glad the pups were so well behaved. Were they the only dogs on the ferry?
That blackberry pie sounds delish!!
Hi, Ginger,
There were a few other dogs on both ferries. Coming off the Spokane, we passed people waiting to board. A lady with two cocker spaniels said to her friend, “See? There go two dogs.”
You KNOW that pie was delectable…. mmm. Wish I had some right now.
What an excellent adventure! Loved how Spike and Bridgette just went with the flow. They are great adventurers. Did Spike notice anything different about salt water when he was soaking? I wonder.
Hi, Dawn,
Spike put his nose to the salt water and decided, no, this is not good.
Heee heee. You’ve painted such a picture of the crew at the elevator, and Spike waiting expectantly. They are certainly quick learners.
All your pictures are great of course, but because these are of my home territory, I can see just how perfectly you capture it.
Glad you all enjoyed your ferry adventure. Its such a great way to enjoy Puget Sound.
Hi Alison,
I couldn’t really capture the hilarity of it all. It was a you-had-to-be-there situation. Spike acted like he was on his lunch break, left his office and is taking the elevator down to the parking garage. No-nonsense.
Since you’re a PNWer, your compliment is especially nice. Thanks!
Actually, one *didn’t* have to be there! In just a few words you captured the moment perfectly.
Who says our fur-babies aren’t human. What a delightful trip for you three. Have ridden the ferries before and used to keep a sailboat in Poulsbo. Very jealous about the pie.
A sailboat in Poulsbo! I hope you saw the pics of the boats at the marina in yesterday’s post.
Love the elevator episode! Good for Spike and Bridget…real tourist!
Spike is a smart boy. He may be old but he’s still learning new things!
How clever is Spike……..don’t have to tell him twice about anything and what well behaved they both are. I bet they both slept well last night after such an adventure. And you too Sue, not much rocking needed after that lovely sea air. So enjoyed the last posts and photos!!
Bridget slept very well, but Spike was wound up tight and couldn’t fall asleep. I guess he needed the rumble of ferry engines underneath him. Eventually he went to sleep. Both of them slept late in the morning. I carried them both out individually to go potty. They went back to bed and slept some more.
Thanks for taking the time to share, I enjoy your descriptions and pictures so much! Ferry rides, elevator rides, a new soaking spot for Spike, exciting stuff! So glad you and the pups are experiencing all these adventures. 🙂
You’re welcome, Linda,
I laughed at your phrase “exciting stuff.” I write these posts like we’re the most adventuresome threesome that ever traveled the West. LOL
How funny! Spike learned fast just by watching what people did getting on/off elevator…so adorable. He had me laughing and I wasn’t even there LOL! The pies are sooo good in NW country…full of berries instead of that jelly stuff. My daughter makes the best blue berry pies and so good w/ice cold glass of milk. Do they have huckleberry? I’d never tasted huckleberry until I went to GNP…OMG I bought huckleberry everything from candy, pancake syrup to jelly and preserves. Then, went I got home I horded them LOL!!
Hi Rita,
I was surprised they didn’t have huckleberry. They had LOTS of different kinds of pies. The list ran the full back of the menu. The meringue on one of them was four inches tall at the peak! I’m a sucker for berry pies. I saw some huckleberry preserves somewhere in our recent travels and I thought of you. I can’t bring that stuff home because I can’t keep myself from eating it up in a day or two!
If it were me on this trip, I would have blogged: “It filled me up so I’m not hungry for the crepes being sold at the cafe near the terminal, BUT I BOUGHT SOME AND ATE IT ANYWAY.”
“The crepes filled me up so I’m not hungry for the wild blackberry pie being sold at the Chimacum Cafe, BUT I BOUGHT SOME AND ATE IT ANYWAY.”
(And what about that great Seattle coffee? Time to stock up. The bookreading must be stacking up!)
I forgot that Seattle is famous for its coffee. Now I know why signs for coffee and espresso are all over.
I thought about going for the crepes and held back. Food tastes so much better when one is really hungry, so I didn’t want to spoil the experience.
But I have been known, as you suggest, to eat for the sure joy of eating, even when not hungry. I bet you’re a bad girl like me, Gayle.
I have never considered having a dog but your two makes me tempted. If I could just find one with the same temperament as yours. Maybe someday.
Try looking at your local shelter! Both our dogs, DoogieBowser and Radar, are rescues and wonderful companions! Rescued dogs are the best breed!
Hi Geri,
I’ve always purchased my dogs from the pound. I like saving a life while giving a life. Shelter dogs have an attitude of gratitude.
The rescued pups seem to know you have saved their lives! They become your very best friends! Radar was one day from being put down because he had heartworms. Nobody wanted to pay for the treatment. We did and we have never been sorry, Radar is an incredible dog who always makes us laugh!
Geri, have you had any issues with the flooding in your area?
I don’t know about Geri and Chuck’s area (Truth or Consequences)… at any rate, their house is on high ground. Nice of you to be concerned, Alan.
Hi Alan, Sue and everyone! Chuck and I are safe and sound camped in The MotherShip near Elephant Butte Lake. High and dry, the road into campground is damage from flooding but passable! Southern Sierra County got the most damage from flooding, homes badly damaged and 2 deaths so far. We had a good day yesterday, even some sunshine.. today we woke to more rain. Lasted abot 6 hours then quit and blue sky again. We are waiting for all the swollen rivers from up north to arrive in Elephant Butte Lake. Not only the water, but all the debris that come with it. Elephante Butte Lake is a reservoir and not near capacity yet so we should manage fine. Say a prayer for the folks in Colorado who have it much worse than we do. Thank you for your concern!
Hi, Donna,
I believe dogs take on the temperament of their owners to a certain extent. Some dogs will be hyper no matter who owns them. But some will conform to the pace and manners of their owners. I’ve met hostile people with hostile dogs. Of course, it’s also a chicken or the egg issue, so who knows.
I guess what I’m trying to say is . . . If you’re a rabid, ankle-biter, don’t get a dog. 🙂
That Spike!!!! You have gotta love him! and Bridget too. Both of them are so well behaved. What a wonderful trip you had. I wouldn’t have passed up the crepes….Hungry or not.
Love you
Yeah, the crepes were calling my name. They also were calling the names of other people, too, judging by the stream of customers going in and out.
I had the crew on my mind. I knew they were thirsty and needed to get back to the PTV for a drink. It was a full day, nonetheless. The pie made up for the crepes. 🙂
Love you, too, Pauline.
Ohhh what an adventure!! Photo’s were great and make me really homesick. The Spikester has done it again…LOL. I can see him with his blackberry and his briefcase just waiting for an elevator. Lest we not forget Bridget…what a lady. I can taste that BB pie…beyond yummy! My mom used to make killer strawberry pie from scratch even the sauce that went in the pie…OH I so miss the fruits and fish from home.
I can understand you missing the fruit, Mindy. I had no idea fruit could be so good! I hadn’t eaten a pear in about 30 years because the ones in the supermarkets in the South are usually hard, tasteless things and I tired of being burned.
I drove 14 miles (round trip) out of my way for those pears!
I wish I could have captured in a photo Spike’s fixation on the elevator doors and the way he handled himself like a guy on his lunch break. So funny!
If you want hard green Bartlett Pears to ripen quickly put them in a container with bananas. Something about emitted gases; maybe a biology type will tell us why?
Having lived in Oregon all my life, I have rarely made it to Washington and am thoroughly enjoying your posts as you cross through Washington.
NOW..I am anxiously awaiting to read what you do and where you go when you get to Oregon!
Your pups are the best…Spike made me laugh too. Amazing how some animals catch on so fast.
Enjoy your day.
Hi, Michelle,
I’m not done with Washington yet, but we’re on our way to Oregon. I hope you have read our Oregon adventures of last summer. What a time we had in your great state!
Spike is an endless source of enjoyment and laughter for me . . . and he gives me good blog material, too!
I have not read that and will go in search of it now…I had no idea you had been here before.
great pictures! spike is so smart. i too have a rat terrier. love them. glad you are all enjoying washington. we are lucky to have you here!
Arent’ ratties the greatest? They’re nuts, but as sweet as can be. I guess that’s why I call the crew . .. nutcakes! Nice to hear from you, m.l…. another Washingtonian!
Sue, What a great trip, Thanks very much for taking me along,,
I really enjoyed it. your writing makes me feel like I’m
right with you and the guys, the smell of the salt air brings
back many memories of all the years I spent on long Island
I even enjoyed paying the $3.85 well worth it….
Can’t wait to see were we go next…. Safe Travels
Hi, John,
It’s my pleasure to take you along on our adventures!
Have been so enjoying your adventures of the PNW hearing names of places I haven’t heard in decades brings back some wonderful memories..
‘Spike’ is certainly the hit of the ferry trip with that elevator and just knowing his way, no worries of you and Bridget getting lost there 🙂
That is a neat gift Mick, wtg…
Eagerly await to hear more about you and the crews wonderful life!!!
Prayers for the all victims and families that have suffered with ‘mother natures’ wrath these past months.
T~
Hi, Tawanda,
Yeah, a neat gift from a neat man!
Spike and Bridget are just going to have to write their memoirs. They’ve tackled so many new experiences, always with a sense of in being inquisitive and adventurous. You three make a wonderful team.
My rescue cat, Lincoln, is doing very well, thank you, with his leash walking. He also comes on command and what’s harder: he ‘stays’ inside when I open the RV door when I tell him to STAY. Just like a dog, I mean kitty!
Hi, Mary-Pat,
I saw on my Amazon orders report that someone bought a kitty leash. If that was you, thanks! Sounds like you picked a great rescue kitty… Of course, all rescues are great!
Bring your cat up this way so Lincoln can go to Washington . . . .:)
I would love to hear the crew’s version of this ferry trip, from taking the stairs to their reaction to being on a ferry to the first-time experience of riding in an elevator. I laughed out loud at your story and description of Mr. Spike, Office Dog!
I meant to say ‘their perspective’ of the ferry excursion….
I should put a tie on Spike… and a wristwatch right above his paw. He was a little business man. 🙂
Sue – make sure you try boysenberries and marionberries. My great grandparents owned a berry farm in Chehalis and I ate more berries than I picked. I can still remember the taste of sun-warmed berries straight from the field. YUM!
We are taking in another foster rescue dog #3 today – Blue and Becker do not know what is about to hit them, but I am sure they will be welcoming. If anyone is thinking they need a dog-companion after following your blog, I sure hope they look first at a rescue. Only way to go!
Hi, Kellee!
I’m sure your new resident will fit in fine. At one time I had 7 rescues of various breeds. They all did well together. No fights or problems. And when they got their permanent home, they knew and were very happy. Best wishes to you and your crew!
I love boysenberries! What a treasure to have a berry farm in the family.