Ferry handles Keystone weather

Published 6:32 pm Friday, April 25, 2008

Your article on Dec. 5, concerning the ferry Snohomish running from Keystone to Port Townsend, disappointedly presented the vessel Snohomish as inadequate, unable to perform her role. The men operating the vessel performed admirably during the biggest storm of the year.

As one who holds a USCG Masters license, who has operated vessels for over 30 years around the globe, and who observed the Snohomish operating during the storm, I am disappointed in the negative thrust of your article. I have ridden the Keystone route regularly in excess of 50 years and like most regular riders, realize that weather is always a factor to consider when riding the Marine Highway as one does when traveling via air.

The “Shore Lizards” quoted in the article dislike the apparently surprising fact that the vessel “goes up and down.” Perhaps they would be better off obtaining employment in the community in which they reside and therefore not have to commute.

Weather happens, deal with it.

Lew Brantley

Coupeville