Ferry Etiquette . . .

New to the Island?  Here are a few tips on Ferry Etiquette to buff off some of that newbie shine you might be sporting:

1.   Plan ahead - It helps:
First, check the schedule for the boat so you can plan your travel times. Our Drummond Island Ferry runs on the 10s and 40s. You can find the current schedule online here:
http://www.drummondislandchamber.com/media/DIFerrySchedule052314.pdf

 
2.    Be nice – It’s the right thing to do:
There IS a line leader. They are the ones who got to the ferry dock first, line-up nicely behind them.  Do not take cuts.

3.    Waiting - It happens:
In high season, ferry traffic will exceed capacity, particularly on Friday afternoons and Sunday mornings/early afternoons. At these times the ferry may or may not “run wild” – meaning make extra trips between regularly scheduled runs to pick-up cars that were inline but simply couldn’t fit onboard. Be prepared to wait. Bring a book, a newspaper or a good friend to chat with!

4.    Don’t rush – you won’t get there any faster.
When getting on or off the ferry watch and wait to be directed by a Crew member.  Rushing rarely accomplishes anything and may cause accidents.

5.    Hang up – stop texting.
When loading or unloading from the ferry please turn your cell phone off and pay attention. The process goes smoothly when we all work together.

6.    Have your money or ticket ready.
The EUPTA only accepts cash or check. They are NOT set-up to accept Credit or Debit Cards of any kind. Know what the fares are in advance by reading the board on the DeTour side or online at their official website:
http://www.drummondislandchamber.com/media/DIFerrySchedule052314.pdf

7.    Don’t argue with the Ferry Crew, ever.
They are here to help us, they know what they are doing and do it well. Take time to smile and wave as you unload!

8.    Sit back and enjoy the view!
You’re on “Island Time”!

                                          Photo Credit: Donna Alexander

Together We Make a Family . . .

 

Our family. We are a strange clan of characters making our way through life sharing DNA and toothpaste. Borrowing money and divvying up marshmallows . Inflicting pain and hugging to heal it all in the same moment. 

We love, laugh, fight and defend. At times we struggle to figure out just what the common thread is that binds us all together.

It isn't blood. When we married each of us brought two biological children to the table. His daughter and son, my two sons and a "daughter" who became family by default. Our five have grown, married and multiplied - this month we morphed into a family of 24! Five children, their spouses/partners, their children and their step-children. All part of this thing I lovingly call "Our Clan". 

I am now the Matriarch of this ragtag bunch. And I find myself using terms like "young people" and "good, clean fun" when referring to the activities of my grandchildren. When did I become my Great-grandmother?! 

But the thing is, when I look at my life, my greatest happiness-es are our family happiness-es. Each and every milestone takes on new meaning for me. Babies being born. Wee ones starting kindergarten. Older ones going to Prom, off to college and getting engaged. 

Our family - our Clan - is a circle of love and strength. With every birth, union and milestone the circle grows. Every joy shared adds to the love we all feel for each other. Every obstacle faced makes our growing circle stronger. 

I didn't choose this family - they are God's gift to me. The bond that links us is not entirely blood - it is the love and joy we bring to each other. 

Together we make a family!

How C-O-L-D Was It? The Story of a Cold Winter in the Island's History as shared by Lisa Ellis:

Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw' in the ice circa 1960s 

(Photo Credit: from the collection of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum)

Lisa Ellis was kind enough to type up this story of her father's memory of another C-O-L-D winter in the Island's history:

"My Dad, on his regular visit this morning had a cold weather story to share!

He began talking about the coldest he had ever seen it on Drummond - I would say after 82 years he has seen a lot! He said that the coldest he had ever seen it on Drummond was -50F! BURRRR!

He also told of weeks and weeks of below zero weather. I can remember -40F for weeks in my life time.

He told of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (the old one) pulling into the ferry dock, putting the stern engines in forward and the bow engines in reverse sending ice chucks rolling up around the bow along with car parts, bikes and mud from the bottom of the lake!

He also told of weeks and weeks of below zero weather. I can remember -40 for weeks in my life time.

He told of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw (the old one) pulling into the ferry dock, putting the stern engines in forward and the bow engines in reverse sending ice chucks rolling up around the bow along with car parts bikes and mud from the bottom of the lake!

He told of being out on the ice (driving across with their car) and being 60 feet or so from the Mackinaw while she worked her way through the St. Mary's ice. They watched as 4 or 5 foot thick chunks of ice bubbled up around the bow and slid across the top of the ice-crusted River! (He wishes he would have taken pictures, I wish they would have too! I would have loved to see that!)

He told me how exciting it was to see that majestic boat at work. He considers it a privilege to have been able to see it! I think it's awesome to hear his stories! If anyone had photos I would love to see them! Candis Collick here is a story for you!

Coast Guard Cutter 'Mackinaw' in the ice circa 1960s 

(Photo Credit: from the collection of the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum)

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I love hearing and sharing the stories of our Island's history. Stories like this define one's sense of the unique nature of each of our families, and of our own places in them. They provide us with inspiration, warnings, and cherished values. These stories never leave us; they reverberate through our lives, guiding our choices in work, friendship and love. Keeping a family's history alive is critical not only to its memory, but also to its members own emotional survival.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your father's story today - keep 'em coming!
Cheers!