by Suzanne on December 13, 2008
When you live on an island, and the ferry is your main way on and off, it feels pretty good to know that they’re covering their bases. In this case, it’s about fuel.
We all watched the fuel prices soar and are now relieved that they’ve fallen down to ‘acceptable’ numbers. But the Steamship Authority, has taken measures to protect themselves from any future hikes.
With a 15 cent per gallon hedge insurance measure, we - the passengers - are protected from the passenger and car fee hikes we saw last summer when fuel prices spiraled upwards. And, the SSA still gets to benefit from dropping fuel prices.
Phew - some stability and steadiness in the midst of rough water.
by Suzanne on November 5, 2008
The Steamship Authority is having a wee bit of trouble. The Nantucket is having engine trouble and the Sankaty was brought from the Nantucket-Hyannis route to help out with MV-Woods Hole traffic. But then the Sankaty had trouble as well.
Generally, the Steamship Authority runs like a well-oiled machine with boats on time and reliable, but these little glitches can cause major hiccups, in this case, on both islands.
Air travel, particularly on private jets, afford total convenience and speed which is especially important for Vineyard home owners that shuttle back and forth between Boston or New York. But Cape Air and US Airways Express also offer a great commercial alternative.
But, there’s still something about being on the boat…the extra time it take to cross the Sound offers time for the shift - from work, home, the busyness of life to the quiet, laid back island environ.
There’s an energy that gathers speed as the ferry nears the Vineyard harbor with hundreds of excited people on board that just doesn’t happen on a plane filled with 8 passengers, tops. A certain nostalgia exists for some, the reminiscence of being on the water, of traveling over water to reach the island, of whalers and sea captains.
Still, the planes aren’t breaking down.
