Then and Now: Lopez Island
I recently had the opportunity to visit Lopez Island in San Juan County. If you have the chance, do stop by the Lopez Island Historical Museum in Lopez Village. You can learn all about the story of the Lopezians (including how to pronounce that word…”low-PEE-shuns”) and see pictures from the island’s past – including this one of their first ferry terminal.
One word of advice, however. Despite an eternity as an island, Lopez and WSDOT still haven’t figured out an adequate ferry experience yet. If you’re leaving on a Sunday and want to catch the 2:40 p.m. boat to Anacortes, you’d better be in line before noon. Yes, you read that right…before noon, otherwise you won’t get one of the 43 slots they have reserved. But at least they have dining options at the terminal for those waiting for over two hours for the next ferry, right? Wrong. Grab an early lunch on the island, or be prepared to shell out three bucks and change for a water bottle and two bucks for vending machine candy while you wait, as those are your only options. And if more than 43 other travelers get in line before you do, you’ll be stuck there for another…(wait for it)…THREE HOURS until the 6:20 boat arrives. How islanders have put up with such treatment for so long is beyond me. Wait, that’s right…it’s us tourists who have to put up with that.
C’mon, WSDOT…I know you can do better.