Crosscut's KNute Berger reports, "The U.S. Coast Guard says it has been working with Steve Rodrigues, the Kalakala's owner, for the last 10 months to secure the leaky boat, which is taking on water and bottoming out at low tides. They have declared the vessel an imminent navigational hazard which sets it up to be seized by the Army Corps of Engineers. Coast Guard Lt. Ian Hanna says that Rodrigues has given them contradictory information and has been "unwilling or unable" to follow through on plans to secure or move the ferry. The Port of Tacoma is afraid the Kalakala could sink at any time, and predicts dealing with a one-boat blockade could cost the Port $23 million a month in lost business. Ironically, the Kalakala might have been better off berthed in a less crucial port. The next step is grim: The Corps is seeking federal funding to remove the Kalakala. If taken by the Corps, it would be dry-docked and scrapped at an estimated cost of $1 million- $1.5 million, not including environmental unforeseen issues such as dealing with PCBs, asbestos, etc.). Some historic parts might be salvaged as part of mitigation." Read the rest HERE.
Harre Demoro captured this iconic image of the Rhododendron back in the late 1960's. The ferry will be retired at the end of January after 65 years of service. Photo courtesy of Brandon Moser.
From Historylink.org...
"The largest structure, aside from the mill was the Puget Hotel built in 1907 on the bluff overlooking Hood Canal. The hotel was intended for tourists and to house visiting company officials. An annex had rooms for single workers. The hotel was operated as a concession and fell outside the company restrictions on gambling and alcohol. As a result, the saloon and small games flourished."
The beautiful Arts and Crafts Hotel was furnished lavishly with antiques brought over from the east coast and flourished for decades. The official story of its destruction was that it was damaged beyond repair by the Columbus Day Storm in 1962. Unofficially, the damage from the storm to the hotel was in reality not a serious as reported, but was used an an excuse to demolish the structure. It was rumored that the company wished to expand into a more modern facility--but it never happened. To this day, the remains a big empty space on the mill grounds where the beautiful hotel once stood.
*Subject to change at any time/ Reflect assigned routes and may not be the current situation
ANACORTES-SAN JUAN ISLANDS:
Elwha
Yakima
Sealth
ANACORTES-SIDNEY:
Suspended until 25 March 2012
SAN JUAN INTERISLAND:
Evergreen State
MUKILTEO-CLINTON
Cathlamet
Kittitas
PORT TOWNSEND-KEYSTONE
Kennewick
KINGSTON-EDMONDS
Spokane
Walla Walla
SEATTLE-BAINBRIDGE
Tacoma
Wenatchee, with Puyllaup sitting in during maintenace cycles
SEATTLE-BREMERTON
Kaleetan
Kitsap
FAUNTLEROY-VASHON-SOUTHWORTH
Issaquah
Tillikum
Klahowya
POINT DEFIANCE-TAHLEQUAH
Chetzemoka starting end of January
STANDBY
Hiyu
from San Diego to Puget Sound. A wave bashed in her false bow, and she put in to San Francisco for repairs. Harre Demoro captured her tied up while getting ready to get undereway again. Photo courtesy of Brandon J Moser.
Although in this case, the El Paso, pictured here, would continue working well into the 1950's for the Richmond-San Rafael Ferry company, finally being scrapped in 1956. Author's collection.
Had 1 sister.
Had 2 names.
Never hauled a car, but her sister did.
DAY ROOM ARCHIVES
September 2011
October 2011
November 2011
December 2011
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the Princess Elaine was nonetheless a handsome vessel. Plying the waters between Vancouver and Nanaimo, the ferry was replaced by the Princess of Nanaimo and later spent time as a restaurant in Blaine, Washington. Author's collection.
The Olympic, the near sister of the Rhododendron, sits alone at Ketron Island. After being sold by Washington State Ferries in 1997, the ferry has spent the last fourteen years waiting for something to be done with her. Photo courtesy of Matt Masuoka.