Day trip to Whidbey Island

Kendra

Active member
Feb 6, 2022
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Seattle
I've enjoyed several longer trips (and to Burning Man past two years) but wanted to share a day trip with my mom. She is now 92 and lives independently, condo in the Seattle Chinatown International District.

I called and said hey let's go have lunch on Whidbey Island. There's this amazing ramen restaurant called Ultra House in a small town on Whidbey Island operated by a guy from Japan. Two hours from Seattle with a half hour ferry ride. She thought I was showing up in my car. When I said look out the window, we're going in the GMC she was like a little kid - pure joy.

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Just noticed the temporary note on my dash in that photo, "3-1/3 turns lock to lock." Checked something based on a thread from this forum. All good.

The ramen in this small town restaurant is world class. My mom grew up in Japan, moved to the US in the 1950s and spent much of her retirement traveling all over Asia. She still cooks amazing meals and has taught cooking classes. She said the ramen in this Whidbey Island restaurant would do well in Tokyo.

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The GMC makes even a quick trip so memorable.
-Kendra
 

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Lucky you! I used to go to Whidbey regularly via the Sidney BC-Anacortes ferry, but due to Covid and staffing shortages/aging WSF fleet the route hasn't reopened since Covid shutdown. Talking possible reopening around 2030 ....:cautious:

Definitely the best route to Seattle from Vancouver Island, too bad it's a thing of the past.
 
I've enjoyed several longer trips (and to Burning Man past two years) but wanted to share a day trip with my mom. She is now 92 and lives independently, condo in the Seattle Chinatown International District.

I called and said hey let's go have lunch on Whidbey Island. There's this amazing ramen restaurant called Ultra House in a small town on Whidbey Island operated by a guy from Japan. Two hours from Seattle with a half hour ferry ride. She thought I was showing up in my car. When I said look out the window, we're going in the GMC she was like a little kid - pure joy.

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Just noticed the temporary note on my dash in that photo, "3-1/3 turns lock to lock." Checked something based on a thread from this forum. All good.

The ramen in this small town restaurant is world class. My mom grew up in Japan, moved to the US in the 1950s and spent much of her retirement traveling all over Asia. She still cooks amazing meals and has taught cooking classes. She said the ramen in this Whidbey Island restaurant would do well in Tokyo.

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The GMC makes even a quick trip so memorable.
-Kendra
It’s easy to see the little kid in her eyes. Awesome experience! Thank you for sharing
 
That's a terrific story Kendra. Thank you for sharing. Every year we jump in the coach with our neighbors for a day trip two three not-so-local orchards. It's only about three hours of driving but the coach makes it a party. I can see from the look of both of you that it was a special day. Thanks again for sharing.
 
I always wondered about taking GMC coach on the ferry. One of these days I hope to camp with it on San Juan Islands. Just out of curiosity - how much do they charge for the ferry ride for the coach? Do they calculate $$ by length or by number of axles (x3) or both?
 
Washington State Ferries are based on length - they don't count axles.

Mukilteo to Whidbey Island is currently $31.30 for a GMC (up to 30 feet) with driver. Cost for each passenger depends on age calculated one-way (passengers are free on return trip).

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Longer trips like the San Juan Islands cost more. Round trip Anacortes to Orcas Island in a GMC is currently $145 (collected westbound, no charge eastbound).
 
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I can assure you that if you are concerned, you need to go on line and look the fares up. I have encountered many that charge on length. Usually there is an 18~20' passcar rate and over that is multiples of that rate. As to ferries, I have never seen an axle count, after all weight is not there issue, but deck space is... We have paid anywhere between 5 and 20$ for river crossings. The good one is the Texas Highway department ferries. As you approach, someone points you to a lane. (Your LP should be valved off.) When there is a boat ready, you drive on, shut down and set the brake. When the ferry gets to the other side, you start up and get ashore. (Notice nobody was taking your money?)
Matt_C
 
Washington state ferries have a great reservation system. You make a reservation and are charged for the service. If you show up, you get credited for the charge - the only time you get charged is if you don't show.
 
Thank you. This helps alot. I recall going to Lopez Island in the past, they charged at Anacortes for round trip right away. I was surprised when no money were collected on the return trip