To the Island!

If you look closely at a map of Wisconsin, you'll see a little dot above the peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan.

That's Washington Island, a ferry ride away from the rest of us Cheeseheads.

Unlike the Merrimac Ferry which is just miles from Madison and free of charge - there is fare to ride the boat.

Ride a bike?  $2.00 for the bike and $6.75 for the bike rider.

Driving a car?  The car is $13 each way plus $6.75 for each passenger.  And, since we didn't plan to living out our days on the Island, or swim, we needed round trip tickets.

It's worth it.

Northport Pier is as far as you can drive State Highway 42 and not get wet; that's where you meet  friendly ticket sales person in a small booth.  The person will sell you the tickets you need and, if the boat is ready, point you toward the loading dock.

This time of year, the boats leave every hour from the Island starting at 7am and leave the mainland starting at 8.

By the time we left, the southbound boat was half-way to our departure point with a load of vehicles and passengers on board.

The ferry is fairly big, so normal water chop and smaller waves won't cause any concern.  If you tend toward sea or motion sickness though, I might suggest taking the appropriate med before leaving.

Plum Island Rear Range Light and house.  (dwm) 

There are a couple small islands to view as you cross the passage.

Plum Island (right) is home to still functioning range lights and an old lighthouse forlornly standing alongside.

More on the Island in tomorrow's post, but an unexpected treat on the return trip was getting pretty close to an American White Pelican (below).

Just as the bird heard the boat, it slowly raised up into a run while flapping its wings.

After several steps it slowly takes flight the large wings pushing air underneath to rise into the air.

The ride was peaceful.  We sat up top on the open deck to feel the wind in our face and watch the world pass by.  The more regular passengers were less entranced, some sitting in their car reading the paper or focused on the phone.

After shooting all the pictures I could see - I leaned back to enjoy the ride - which is when I noticed the northbound ferry on the other side of the protective fencing.

Countless attempts later, I finally got one I liked with the boat framed by four links of fence.