The Badger Carferry Returns!

We went down to the harbor to see the SS Badger Carferry return to Manitwoc for the first time this spring (May 24).  We're not sure if this will be the last "first return" ever or not, because of the coal ash that the ferry expels.  The newer environmental codes are requiring the Ferry to ditch the coal power for something more environmentally friendly... by next year.  We thought we'd check it out, regardless!  We watched the ferry dock many times last year and it's one of those things we generally do once every week or two!

Waiting for the ferry!  It's running late!  Alena loved to watch the band that was playing, shown in the background.

Levi got to eat a banana while we waited.

Windy day on the lakeshore.  We're waiting by the Manitowoc sign right by where the ferry will dock!

Ooops!  We've never seen the carferry get this close to the other side of the harbor!  SUPER close!  Normally, the ferry enters the harbor, turns sharp right, then backs straight in toward the dock (which would be to our right in this shot).  We should have been seeing the hind end of boat by now!  We waited for probably an hour as the ferry tried to maneuver itself to the dock.  It seemed like it was stuck, and it really was!  They had to call in a tug boat team from Sturgeon Bay to come down an move the ferry to the dock!  Talk about an embarassing first run!  A band, coast guard boat, firetruck shooting water, lots of people, TV cameras, and the mayor were all there to welcome the ferry back! Needless to say, several hours later, most of the welcoming committee had dispersed!  We later found out that they had lost some power in the engines, leaving the captain without all the maneuverability he needed.

Yes, we stayed too long into naptime.  We didn't get very far at all before Levi crashed!  We've been back a handful of times since then and the kids LOVE to watch our beloved ferry... just not when it's late and gets stuck!