May 15, 2007
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Water, everywhere…
I grew up in a country that’s surrounded by water. Although Denmark is a very small place– about 1.5 times the size of the state of Maryland. Which is a small state. And yet… Denmark has more than 3000 miles of coastline, thanks to 100′s of islands, and lots of deep bays, inlets and fjords.
A few days ago, it occurred to me that I now live in a place that’s surrounded by water, with 100′s of islands, and lots of deep bays, inlets and fjords.
The only real major difference is mountains. Denmark is– basically– flat as a pancake. Around here, mountains are a dime a dozen. Not just a few hills, mountains.
When I was little, and we had to go anywhere at all (like 50 miles, or more), we typically needed to get on a ferry to get there. In some strange symmetrical experience, if I have to go anywhere at all around here, most likely the trip will include a ferry ride.
Quite a few people arround these parts, especially on the peninsulas and outlying islands, commute to downtown Seattle by ferry. There are park and ride lots at many of the ferry terminals.
It’s a strange feeling, in a sense. You can feel like you’re way out in the boonies, and yet… it’s a 45-minute drive and a ferry ride to the city center. Sure, it does take time, but it’s certainly not stress-inducing, the way 90 minutes on congested freeways might be. It’s a very peaceful and “low impact” way to commute.
On most days, during the afternoon rides, the upper deck of the ferry has more than a few commuters in running shoes, running or walking around the perimeter of the deck, getting in the day’s workout. I am sure the gulls are amused by the “stupid humans.”
Of course, I work at home, so whenever I take a trip to the Big City I have plenty of time to just watch the world around me, and just enjoy the water and air.
Some of the locals around here refer to trips to Seattle as “going to America.” I can understand how that idea came about– at times, it does feel a bit “isolated,” over here on the peninsula. It’s odd, in a sense, because I always thought of myself as more of a “city person,” and yet I seem to have found a “sense of place” in a town of no more than 10,000 people.
Still… I’m glad “all that civilization” is there, just across the water.
Comments (14)
Dear Peter,
The place almost seems like a viable place to live from your description. You leave out the fact that it rains quite often, however, which is what keeps Californians like me coming back home after they try to “settle” in the Pacific Northwest. My sister moved to Oregon, and didn’t last a year.
Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher fool
Peter what do you do from home. I love it where you live now. I used to live in Seattle and go there often. I like ferries a lot too. Judi
As I read your words, I could feel the pull from deep within myself to find my own ‘physical’ place (plain) of peace. What’s interesting is that what’s pulling me is also similar to the land I grew up near. I’m happy for you but you also give me hope that I’ll find my way too.
*hugs*
I was near Seattle 2 years ago and we took the Ferry. Our car was parked at a very steep angle and it botherd me but the car survived and so did I. I would have never thought of exercising around the deck as the trip was being made. What a great idea. I am glad that you seem more at peace in your part of the world. Thanks for sharing!
Wow…Awesome pics!!! My son’s grandma,aunts and uncles live in washington. My son says he loves his visits there..
Hey, cool. Working from home is a good deal. One of the many things I plan to look into.
I’m a city person but I do feel the pull of living in a quieter spot. Too bad I can’t afford Bainbridge!
I live in Seattle – Capitol hill. But my dad and step-mom are in Poulsbo, so I’m taking ferries a lot. Her family is in Kingston. It is nice on the Peninsula, don’t know how much exploring you’ve done yet but it does get beautiful on the coast. If you have the time, check out Ruby beach, and beaches 1 and 4. Actually pretty much all of them are wonderful.
It sure sounds beautiful!!!
*waves from across the pond*
uh, YEAH, I hear ya. Ferries are a big deal around the island. Missing ferry traffic is the main goal…..
I can’t even remember the last time I LEFT this friggin’ rock. We have our own mountains….lol
Hey, I thought I saw Frasier Crane in that space needle pic. Hope so. He’s CUTE.
Beautiful pics!
It sounds fantastic, truly
Yup, we are approaching the “hotter” than hot time of year in Dallas…must stay strong, must stay hydrated…must stop being jealous of Peter…
I suddenly have this urge to go to the beach and swim…^^”’
Love the rain …
I loooove water… and seagulls, so those pics make me glad to see…
and I’ve been to Denmark several times. it’s quite strange how flat it is and also there aren’t that many trees around. combined with the islands and the presence of water, well almost everywhere you go(hm…), it’s very different from the neighbouring countries…
it almost seems as though you’ve found a home away from home, if you understand what I mean, sort of a going back to your roots kind of thing. only you’re far away from the country where you grew up and it’s a different sea, but it’s the place you’ve chosen to live in…
make any sense?