The Coupville, Whidbey Island ferry terminal leads to Port Townsend, 3.5" x 5.5" ink and watercolor
The Coupeville, Whidbey Island ferry terminal leads to Port Townsend, 3.5″ x 5.5″ ink and watercolor

Port Townsend, the small town where my family and I have recently moved, is on the tip of the Quimper Peninusla, and is surrounded by water on three sides. Ferries are an integral part of traveling to Seattle or taking island adventures. This month marks the 65th anniversary of Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry operator in the US. They have 22 vessels!

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The Port Townsend ferry arriving from Whidbey Island, 3.5″ x 5.5″ ink and watercolor

I’ve always loved taking ferry rides. Waiting for the boats gives me time to pause and relax, and the crossings (typically 25-35 minutes) are an opportunity enjoy fresh air and watch for wild life. It’s fun to identify sea birds, and occasionally spot orcas, grey whales, and porpoises. I appreciate the excuse to slow down, and sketchbooks are good for that, too!

Sketching in between rain squalls
Where did that ferry go? Out sketching between rain squalls.

Other posts related to ferry explorations: