L A K E   C H A M P L A I N   F E R R I E S

Port Kent, New York to Burlington, Vermont

The ferry is a small one, much smaller than the Washington State ferry. As I look around there isn't anything extraordinary about it, just a plain ole ferry with standard restaurant accommodations atop the vehicle bay. The only boat features I care about is it won't sink during the crossing. That has always been a fear of mine, sinking boats, probably because I'm a poor swimmer. The ferry is operated by Lake Champlain Ferries, their tagline is "Great Boats, Great People, Great Tradition." I calm my concerns, I think their marketing slogan needs a 4th element, namely, "Never Sinks!"

Reading through their information brochure I learn the ferry company offers a Northern Lights Cruise Boat. Folks who wish to party on the lake can rent out this beauty for special events such as weddings, anniversaries, corporate functions... or... how about viewing the Northern Lights? What a great idea, I should call them and tell them about this last viewing opportunity... oh, wait... never mind... Hmmmm, I wonder if they ever rent the boat out for funerals? If so, do they have to be mindful of the occasional customer who may attempt to slide their dearly departed into the lake at ceremony completion?

The trip across is scenic and uneventful, it's good weather as you can see from the relatively calm waters.

I take a quick peek into the engine room when no one was looking. I don't use a flash because I don't want to attract attention to my photo-op.

As the ferry chugs along, Burlington, VT grows in size as we slowly approach Lake Champlain's eastern shores. I arrive shortly thereafter, the ferry quickly docks, afterwhich I unload into city center.

Well, that concludes my ferry ride, courtesy of Lake Champlain Ferries. It was a relaxing voyage, and more importantly, no life vests were dispatched and no swimming skills were resurrected. I give my ride across Lake Champlain 4 thumbs-up out of a possible 5 thumbs.