First Class on the Port Townsend – Coupeville Ferry

Living on Earth is expensive, but it does include a free trip around the sun every year.

The ferry the following morning didn’t quite work out as smooth as we hoped. We left early but the problem was we left too early. We discovered you don’t really want to arrive until the ferry before yours departs if it’s full.  We didn’t check to see if it was full but that’s what we were told.  We just thought we’d park in the line and wait until the one we had a reservation on showed up.  It doesn’t work that way. 

We had to make a u-turn through the ferry payment booths and find another lot to wait in.  Whee! That wasn’t fun. However, it did mean that we were absolutely first in line for the next ferry. It was like being upgraded to first class.  Being first in line also meant that we had a front row seat as the ferry traveled across the water to the Coupeville Terminal on Whidbey Island.  What a gorgeous view that was.

Our original plan was to spend a few nights on the waterfront at Fort Casey before heading to Spiker’s RV Resort.  However, we all know plans are made just so we have something to break … and, that’s what we did.  Actually, it wasn’t really our fault.  The RVs were packed into the sites at Fort Casey.  Two spaces were not to be found. So, up the road to Oak Harbor we went.

Mr. Spiker himself had told us he wouldn’t be back until the next day.  That’s what he told us but that’s not what happened.  Just about the time we pulled in and got set up, he came hauling around the corner. We had no time to raid his place before he arrived.  I think he did that on purpose.

Then, it was catch-up time …………… and, that’s what we did.

Catch-up time

-- August 10th

Whidbey Island Ferry – Fort Casey, Washington

I’ve learned that it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.  So start enjoying those little things in life – it does make a difference.

Another busy day was on the schedule.  We had reservations on the 9:30 ferry from Port Townsend to Whidbey Island.  It was only about a 40 minute drive to the ferry dock but then, we were also supposed to be there early to get in line so we were up and on our way earlier than usual.  We love the ferries.  It was a gorgeous day and we were looking forward to it.

We first discovered Fort Casey State Park and it’s RV parking area a couple years ago.  Notice in the picture where these RV’s get to park.  They are right at the edge of the water by the ferry dock.  There’s  beach to walk on, driftwood to sort and a terrific view.  The only downside is that there are no hookups.  There’s also an upside.  There are restrooms and a shower which certainly helps with that gray water tank. 

During World War II bunkers were built and a cannon in place.  Anyone having duty had a broad view.  We also enjoyed the broad view of the water, Port Townsend and marine traffic.  To top it off, the lighthouse that was being repaired when we were here before was in tiptop shape.




 

Next, we were off to Staysail RV Park at the Oak Harbor City Beach.  The park was almost full with RVs.  The tide was out and a few people were enjoying the beach.  How could they not enjoy something this fantastic? 

The main reason we made the trip to Whidbey Island though was to visit Joe.  We’ve known Joe for a couple years or is it more? He has a fantastic home-base with a water view.  We absolutely loved his place. 

We sat on his deck, soaked up the sun, chatted for hours and checked out his wine making hobby. 

To top it off, his smoker was even filled with salmon. 

He definitely has quite supply of wine in different stages of the process from small bottles to huge jugs.

The ferry back to Port Townsend was packed. It was a Sunday and all the weekenders were heading home.  So were we.  Another day and again, we were zonked.  We did swing by Fort Flagler State Park but even though it had full hookups, it certainly didn’t compare to Fort Casey.  So, here’s a question for you.  Why are state parks so expensive?  Full hookup “premium” sites cost $36 a night.  The boondocking site at Fort Casey is $22. We just thought that was a little spendy for a state park but then, again, the view from these two parks were definitely premium.

Monday morning was another thing.  We had only paid for three nights so we had a decision to make.  Should we go ahead and stay at the Elks one more day or should we head to Seaside where we had reservations over the 4th of July holiday?  If we were going to go, we needed to get moving.  We ended up  driving the 209 miles to Seaside.  It was a long 209 miles since the roads were wet, windy and traffic slow.  However, we traded one beachie area for another and now we’re in place for another couple weeks.  It was a good decision.