Modern Vespa

I rode Endora (my Piaggio BV400) to my dental appointment in north Seattle yesterday, crossing Puget Sound via ferries. On the ferry from Bremerton to Seattle, she was one of 3 "motorcycles", and always a lovely view of Seattle....

But opted for a northern route to get home, in part to avoid late afternoon Seattle traffic, and took the Edmonds to Kingston ferry, and there were a few more motorcycles this time--at least 30! (Even the normal commuters were shocked by the number!)

Even though I had a longer ride home from Kingston, about 30 miles vs. 1/2 mile from my house to Bremerton ferry terminal, riding from Kingston to Bremerton is very pleasant, and much nicer than dealing with the traffic & road construction on the Seattle side!

Also learned that not only do motorcycles load before cars on all ferries, but at the Edmonds terminal, motorcycles can bypass the regular toll booth for cars, too, and go directly to the dock, avoiding time in traffic lanes--busy days can be more than 2 hour wait! (Some terminals all traffic uses the same toll booths). Another bonus to 2 vs 4 wheels!

Fantastic story and pictures. Thank you.

I love those ferry rides. I have yet to do one on my scooter, but maybe next summer.

Thanks--I first experienced a ferry ride about a year ago, meeting with a group on Vashon Island, via the Southworth route (good practice of U turns on that one!). This spring/summer when riding to the scooter shop in Tacoma, got brave enough to venture east bound across the Narrows bridge (back roads to get there--not a fan of freeway), but I am not keen even in my car driving across the old span west bound, so crossed on the ferry from Point Defiance & ride across Vashon to then get onto the Southworth bound one... A HUGE benefit, besides being first on & off, is at Point Defiance and Edmonds, you go to the dock, skipping the toll booths cars use. From Edmonds, can mean hours saved waiting! Pending the destination, I have had both my 946 and my BV400 on ferries, and someday might venture on them often enough for a pass--as is akward trying to get to your money/card when at the toll booth (only drawback I think!). I noticed what must have been regular commuters have an arm band so the attendant can just scan their card thru the clear vinyl holder.

Definitely an experience & hope you do try when the days are longer & warmer again!

Well, you've certainly got me excited about the opportunity. I have yet to take the Narrows Bridge as well. I live near it and have considered it.

I moved to the area in 1994 and have enjoyed ferry rides ever since. One of the jewels of living in the area. I have friends on Vashon and was in Point Defiance Park just 3 weeks ago. Didn't think about the ferry, but next time there might be a spontaneous visit to the island.

Thank you again.

Suse,

I like the way they park all the two wheelers together. Also, routinely, first on first off. Here is my riding group crossing to Madeline Island in North Wisconsin.

Thanks for your great photos.

Bob C
Minnesota

Thanks Bob--glad you have enjoyed the ferries & great scenery in your area--and many years on a great scooter, too!