I, for one, am sorry to see the Fairweather ferry put in mothballs. It is an amazing asset to Southeast and we have always enjoyed being on it.
We love the fact that it only takes half the time to get to Haines and Skagway and allows us to spend more time in the towns; shop, dine, sightsee, etc. In fact, we had a booking on it this summer along with our car and relatives to go to Skagway, shop, take the train — in other words, spend money in Southeast. Then we got a notice that we would be put on a slower ferry so we canceled our Skagway and train experience and will only go to Haines, where we will not spend any money as we head north. And, yes, we are willing to spend more money traveling on the Fairweather because of it’s quickness.
[Fast ferry Fairweather faces foggy future]
We love the ferry and the crew and can’t believe the state would not use such a fantastic ferry that meets our needs in Southeast. Our Alaska ferry system was never meant to pay for itself. If highway systems are suppose to pay for themselves, then get rid of the roads between Wasilla and Anchorage or Homer and Anchorage.
What a waste to lose a wonderful asset like the Fairweather.
Janet Kussart,
Juneau
My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.