NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos taken on October 5, 2021, during our ferry crossing to Vancouver Island.
We arrived at the ferry terminal slightly after the early check in time and were assigned to a lane to await our sailing. Benji knew something exciting was afoot and was just happy to be a part of it.
Boarding time came and we rolled aboard, taking up a spot right beside the pet room. Hmmm, not a good place to be with an excitable dog. I went up on deck to scope it out, while boarding was finalized. I was happy to see a Common Loon swimming nearby.
We were soon under way and despite the cloudy skies, it was not a bad day for a ferry crossing.
Arriving in Active Pass, islands floated by and ferries in a variety of shapes and sizes came and went in a variety of directions.
At long last, I sighted an elusive bald eagle soaring above one of the islands. Box checked.
At this point, another passenger with binoculars let me know we were also passing a colony of seals on the opposite shore. Shutterbugs gott look out for each other, don’t you know.
Meanwhile, Benji seemed oblivious to all the excitement, as Patty sat with him, so B & K could go for a walk around the car deck.
Right on schedule, we reached Swartz Bay and rolled ashore. New adventures were within our reach.
Not much to tell. After working for 3 companies over 43+ years (38 years 7 months with my last company), I finally got that promotion I had waited my entire career for……retirement.
I have been exploring this new career for the past 7+ years and while it is not always exciting, the chance to do what I want for myself and my family instead of what my company wants has been very fulfilling. Early on, there was a long list of projects in my “to-do” hopper and I attacked these projects with a vengeance for the first 9 months of retirement. Eventually, my brain told me that this was not what retirement was about, so it took me another 5 months before my industriousness again took over and I attacked another line of projects, this time somewhat shorter and less complicated, as well as many new projects related to the family weddings in 2016. After going hard for 6 weeks and 3 weddings, my body was telling me to relax, then the flu bug hit and as soon as that was done with me, my sciatic acted up. No rest for the wicked. In 2020 and 2021, the Covid 19 pandemic changed the whole retirement gig. I was lucky to not be still working, for sure.
I enjoy photography, gardening, working with my hands, walking, cycling, skiing, travelling, reading and creating special photo and video productions obtained in my first pastime. I may never become wealthy in any of these pursuits, but I already feel I am rich in life experiences far beyond any expectation.
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12 thoughts on “Road Trip – Benji Ferry”
An enjoyable ferry crossing with gorgeous Benji taking central stage.
Dogs are limited to in vehicle or on the upper car deck. I felt sorry for Benji as he would have enjoyed a walk on the deck, but there were too many other pets around and it was Covid time. He was happy to have his family with him though. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
I wonder how many people have taken photos of those two houses (or cottages?). I have one that looks almost identical to yours! Benji seems to be a good little traveller.
That is a good question Lynette. I just checked my 6 sailings this year and I only took it once. Phewww. Benji loves to go where his family goes. He was pretty good on the crossing. Thanks for reading. Allan
Lovely pictures from your ferry crossing despite the overcast. That’s neat that you spotted a bald eagle in the skies. How fun for Benji to be part of the adventure!
The eagles tend to fly around the larger islands, but depending where they are hunting, you do not always see them from the ferry. We saw them on 2 out of our 6 crossings this year so not too bad an average. Glad we could have Benji along for this leg of the trip. Thanks for reading. Allan
Great post and wonderful photos, Allan. Taking the ferry is such an exciting way to begin and end a holiday – it is often an enjoyable and fun time for young and old alike and you won’t even notice the time passing thanks to the beautiful scenery and many services on board. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
This year certainly had ferry crossings (6 in all) and each one was different and enjoyable, even in the rain and mist, but especially in the sunshine. Thanks for reading Aiva. Have a great weekend. Allan
Picture This 
An enjoyable ferry crossing with gorgeous Benji taking central stage.
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Dogs are limited to in vehicle or on the upper car deck. I felt sorry for Benji as he would have enjoyed a walk on the deck, but there were too many other pets around and it was Covid time. He was happy to have his family with him though. Thanks for reading Marion. Allan
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I’m glad you could capture the Bald Eagle! In Tahoe I saw one but I didn’t have my phone with me and I was so disappointed I couldn’t get a picture.
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I had missed the perfect shot on our July crossing. I was glad to get another chance. Thanks for reading Lyssy. Allan
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I wonder how many people have taken photos of those two houses (or cottages?). I have one that looks almost identical to yours! Benji seems to be a good little traveller.
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That is a good question Lynette. I just checked my 6 sailings this year and I only took it once. Phewww. Benji loves to go where his family goes. He was pretty good on the crossing. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Lovely pictures from your ferry crossing despite the overcast. That’s neat that you spotted a bald eagle in the skies. How fun for Benji to be part of the adventure!
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The eagles tend to fly around the larger islands, but depending where they are hunting, you do not always see them from the ferry. We saw them on 2 out of our 6 crossings this year so not too bad an average. Glad we could have Benji along for this leg of the trip. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Love the bald eagle shot!
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I wanted to get a closer one, but am pretty pleased with getting one at all. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Great post and wonderful photos, Allan. Taking the ferry is such an exciting way to begin and end a holiday – it is often an enjoyable and fun time for young and old alike and you won’t even notice the time passing thanks to the beautiful scenery and many services on board. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 🙂 Aiva
LikeLiked by 1 person
This year certainly had ferry crossings (6 in all) and each one was different and enjoyable, even in the rain and mist, but especially in the sunshine. Thanks for reading Aiva. Have a great weekend. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person