Date:         Sun, 31 Jul 2005 19:23:59 -0400
Reply-To:     Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
Subject:      Ferry me across the Mercy
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Or something like that.

So, this weekend's camping expedition (which definitely took a detour
from original plans) had me taking a paddle wheel ferry across the
Susquehana River in Pennsylvania (only such operating ferry left on the
Susquehana River.) It was curious. The river at the point
(Millersville) is about 2 miles across, but only a couple of feet deep
(maximum depth is 4 feet). The ferry operators rebuild a low (less than
6 feet) loose stone dam on the river every couple of years (the stone
dam gives them enough depth to operated the ferry. ) The paddle wheel
was about 6 feet in diameter.

Very cool trip. The far side (western side) has a large campground at
the dock (yes, I decided to camp there.)

I know there still are a number of river boat ferries in the US, but
there are a lot fewer than there used to be. The Millersville ferry
only holds up to 4 vehicles. Fare was $6 for me and my Westy.

I've also taken White's Ferry across the Potomac River. Slightly larger
in that it can handle 8-10 vehicles, White's Ferry is attached to a
cable that guides the ferry, whereas the Millersville Ferry is free
navigating.

Cities like Seattle and New York have large ferries, whereas these
small riverboat ones are more intimate. Quaint.

Elsewhere on the trip (Allentown) I passed through a couple of the
remaining covered wood bridges.