Ferry Fear

Often an out-of-town vehicle will pull to the side the road, or into our driveway, to ask directions. “Where’s the bridge?” Or some incredulous version of, “Is it safe to drive my car on the ferry?” They’re feeling ferry fear…

In our early years, the driver or passenger would be pouring over a map. Nowadays it’s a phone or a GPS display on the dashboard. Winding their way on backcountry roads into the heart of Essex, en route to somewhere else, they pull into the ferry lot expecting a bridge. Many are thrilled that they will be able to cross Lake Champlain via ferry boat instead of a bridge. Some are not.

We encourage them to take the ferry, but a few opt to head north or south to a bridge crossing.

Because the ferry is our daily commute for groceries, appointments, airport, etc. it’s taken on a familiar, almost familial, presence in our Essex life. A defining threshold. A gateway. A liminal, interstitial ritual. (Source: Ferry Rhythm)

Needless to say, Susan and I (as well as most of our Essex area friends and neighbors) are loyal ferry passengers. But crossing a waterway by driving your car onto a boat with confidence that you and your vehicle will be delivered — 100% safe and sound — on the far shore is outside of the familiar and comfortable for some.

Fear or Trepidation

This post’s title, Ferry Fear, is probably a little overblown. It would be an exaggeration to claim that all passersby concerned about traversing the lake by boat are actually afraid. Concerned, yes. Anxious, yes. But it’s usually not really full-fledged ferry fear.

It’s worth acknowledging that an unsettling ferry crossing can trigger trepidation in even the most seasoned ferry passengers.

Last summer during an especially sloppy Charlotte-to-Essex ferry crossing, Susan called concerned. She might even claim it was full-fledged ferry fear.

An alarm went off from too much water on deck. That was comforting! — Susan Bacot-Davis

Two of the images in this post were taken by her during that crossing, but it’s a couple of videos that she recorded that best capture the drama. I’ll try to get my hands on those.

This past Tuesday Pam experienced a similarly unsettling ferry crossing. Instead of ferry fear, her response was trepidation. She’s dauntless after all!

These last two snapshots were taken by her, and this is a mashup from her shore-to-shore commentary.

I shouldn’t have eaten before getting on the ferry. Does this count as hazard pay? Really bad when they turned. At least until the return trip. Water is coming over the bow/stern. I think this is the worst it’s ever been for me. — Pam Murphy

Trepidation. Not ferry fear…