The drama unfolds: we had just figured out we were going to miss the last ferry boat home; an occasional problem for people living on Martha’s Vineyard. We knew we were cutting it close from the beginning. We were on the train 
coming from Chicago, supposed to get off in Worcester, MA (pronounced Woosta, by the way) at about 7 pm. We’d hired a car to come collect us (for the two hour drive from the train station to the ferry) and maybe, we hoped, we’d just make the last regularly scheduled ferry. But the train is two and a half hours late; there’s no chance we’ll make it. We have to get a motel for the night and take the first morning boat. Girl Kitty, expecting us home tonight, would have to sleep alone. Whimpering noises could be heard. I petted Joe and told him not to cry. ♥
It was raining when we got off the train; the driver was waiting for us — with our first surprise of the evening; their regular car was out on another job, so they sent a long, really long, embarrassing actually, like prom night, stretch limo to pick us up! That was fun! The driver also knew we were too late to make the last boat; we started to tell him what motel to take us to. That’s when we got the second surprise; he told us he had called and found out that if we wanted, for the same price as a motel room, “Captain Jim” was willing to take us over to the island tonight (even though it was going to be near midnight when we arrived) in one of the Patriot Boats (a 24 hour shuttle service to the island which we never heard of before). OH BOY!!! We are ecstatic. What a surprise! Yes!!! Sign us up! Girl Kitty here we come!!!
I’m bound for the island. The tide is with me. And it feels like I’ve never, ever been gone. ♥ Carly Simon
I know just how she feels! As we drove across Massachusetts, the storm began to clear, the clouds were racing across the sky, and suddenly the moon peeked into the car window (that’s what’s in the photo above!). We felt so lucky. We were sorry we didn’t have champagne because there was a row of champagne glasses, lit up with pink light in the limo; we had lots to celebrate. We were going home!
We drove through the stormy night, us in the back of the car, in pure luxury (about six blocks from the driver), across the Bourne Bridge onto Cape Cod, and then into Falmouth at almost midnight, down to the dock to where the Patriot Boat was tied. The car backed right up to the boat, where we start unloading our bags, while I, for the first time, as the wind about blew me off the dock, got a look at the boat that is supposedly going to take us across the deep, deep, really cold and choppy water to the island. Hmmm, I said to myself. Wouldja look at that.
Can you believe this? At first I don’t even think it’s a boat! It takes a moment for me to grasp the situation. It’s bobbing up and down, bumping the dock, making it shudder; the storm has just passed so the wind that blew it away, is now UP; the water around the boat is black and choppy with white caps, and I am questioning everyone’s sanity. Mostly mine. I begin to hum softly. . . It’s way past my bedtime, I’m not thinking well; I’m too giddy with the idea of going home after such a long trip; and too tired to be scared; prudence and caution has left the building. Joe is saying, “It’s OK.” Captain Jim is very nice and he’s very experienced. He does this every day at 4 am, delivering newspapers to the island . . . even through the winter. When I ask him, “Can this boat sink?” he assures me, “No, it can’t.” And of course, Girl Kitty is waiting. ♥
The suitcases are loaded, and we are supposed to go into that little hole, down steep steps, to a row of wooden benches, and experience the trip in a dark room, at sea level, or below. Right at that moment, in port, the waves lapped at the windows. I didn’t want to think how it would be when we were at sea; I wasn’t sure I could handle a submarine experience. Fifteen minutes ago we were in the lap of luxury, now we were pitching and yawing in the dark briny night; with clanging noises, blustery waves, and sea spray. The good news is, the big ferry takes forty-five minutes for this trip; on this boat, it will be only twenty minutes. I can do almost anything for twenty minutes.
Goodbye cruel world, I say to myself. The engines start, we stay outside to take pictures as we pull away from the dock, but suddenly we realize how stupid this is because we can’t keep our balance; we aren’t wearing life jackets (for some idiotic reason), we’re getting wet, and seeing our precarious position, we fall into each other, like the Three Stooges, diving into the hole at the same time.
OK girls, try not to get seasick while looking at these next photos, I held still as I could, but we are rising to the top of each wave, and then slamming down to the bottom, not the best conditions for photography (or anything else), but you will get the gist of the thing.
It was nice to see the moon. But it was very dark out there. We didn’t stay in the below-sea-water unlit room, we went up to the “pilot house” with Captain Jim, so we had a view out the front windows. I kept my eyes on the tiny lights of the island twinkling in front of us . . . we plowed through the waves, going up, down, slam! Up, sideways, down, slam! And so it went, seawater crashing over the bow, windshield wipers scraping the glass, metal parts echoing and clanking, floor shuddering, my one foot braced against the back of Captain Jim’s chair, my arm wrapped around a metal bar, camera in hand, holding on for dear life.
Up, down, slam!
We are not in Kansas anymore. Captain steers, I STARE my way home, willing the island to come meet us halfway.
Look how close we’re getting! Giddiness is beginning to return to my heart. Home! We’re making it! I was thinking, If I had to, I could probably swim this!
Our hero, Captain Jim Tietje, getting us to shore.
Docking the boat in the safe harbor of Oak Bluffs . . .
20 minutes later, a civilized cab waited to take us home . . .
We lavish thanks on Captain Jim, we are very relieved, exhibiting a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in our praise and gratitude. Joe helps Jim cast off, and he heads back out to sea; the good ship “Quickwater,” sturdy sea-going vessel, taking him home to his own bed . . . And us?
We go home too . . . where it’s quiet, and cozy, and SO civilized.
And Girl Kitty helps us unpack. ♥
With pomp, power and glory, the world beckons vainly; in chase of such vanities, why should I roam? While peace and content bless my little thatched cottage, and warm my own hearth with the treasures of home. ♥ Beatrix Potter
Oh Susan! I was with you every swish of the waves! I’ve only taken the big ferry to the Island but you sure gave us an adventurious description of your final leg home. Every time I read anything yu write, I just smile.
A big fan,
Joanie
I normally lead a very quiet life :-)!
Next time, try calling me at the Woods Hole Inn @ 508-495-0248. We have “islander rates” in the off season and are happy to help you find a port in the storm. –Beth Colt, innkeeper
How nice, thank you Beth!
And the inn is a most beautiful place!!!
Can’t believe I haven’t read this before, but you must know that I think you were VERY brave!!! Even the big ferry boat to MV and Nantucket sometimes make me a bit queasy; can’t even imagine taking a smaller boat….especially at night!!!! Girl Kitty must know how much you love her to have risked it all! Peggy Peggy
We risked it all! 🙂 One lucky kitty! There was no time for queasiness, thank goodness, had to spend the entire trip working first with fear!
OH! I was reading this and thinking, where’s Jack? Then I realized it was an older post, and you didn’t have Jack yet! But I know Girl Kitty is much happier now that you do, even if she doesn’t show it!
That’s what I keep telling myself! 🙂
Great read! My husband is Captain Dick, of Patriot Boats! Just wanted to let you know that Jim’s last name is Tietje (” tee gee”).
Oh how great! What a small world! Jim was so calm and brave! I fixed his name, I wonder where I got Scudder! Tell him I’m sorry, but it’s right now!
Dick, YOU’RE THE MAN!!!
LOVE
George and Leah
That is exactly what I thought!! 🙂
Hi Susan! WOW! I just read this post. You and Joe are a brave couple. Secretly, I would have done exactly the same thing just to get HOME! Glad you are safe. It must be exciting living on an Island. I only get to visit MV but who knows? Maybe some day…………………………….! 🙂 Love ya! oxoxox
That’s it, HOME, plus I think I wasn’t quite in my right mind, not realizing what I was getting into! Thank you Asha!
Susan, I read this story several months ago &got such a kick out of it I had my husband read it. He enjoyed it too! I think it’s one of the best stories you have written. It’s so funny,
several times while reading it I cracked up laughing—knowing how you felt. All the thoughts
Going through your head were like I would have felt. I think that’s the sign of a good
writer. Thanks for the priceless story!!!
You are welcome Pat . . . just glad I was able to tell it at all!
Hi Susan! I love this post as it brought back so many memories from my childhood. My parents would take my sister and me up to MV on our boat every summer which was wonderful, but truly terrifying at times! My mother nicknamed my dad Christopher Columbus because he would never turn the boat around. One time in particular we were in thick fog in Vineyard Sound and my dad told my mom to put us in lifejackets and tie us all together with some rope! Let me say that at 8 years old, that’s not what you want to hear! Glad we both made it safely on our trips 😉
Me too — yikes! I think I know how you felt!
Oh Susan , you are a woman after my own heart! WE miss our kitties dearly, just going out for dinner and a concert! I shared in your excitement that you were getting to go home to Girl Kitty even if it was midnight!
Susan and Joe, I can well imagine how terrifying that old boat ride was! You are one brave couple. I’d have to ride the boat (even tho I can’t swim) to get back to my little puppy Mollee so I know how you feel.
We were grateful to be alive. Such a good feeling, land!
Dear Susan,
I have been a fan for years but just got a heads up on your blog. Love! As do I love your new book!
My one request is could you mention the Island Queen from Falmouth. I have worked there for a number of years. Everyone mentions the Steamship and now the Patriot, but never the IQ. It I is a wonderful service with great crew.
You are the greatest!
Cheryl Craven
‘Course I can … the Island Queen is wonderful if you don’t need to take your car. We have great bus service on the island, tons of taxis, and you can rent darling mini cooper convertibles, so who needs a car! Much less hassle, and less expensive too.
Oh my, how happy I am to have “found” you again! Somehow during my busy life, last I heard, you’d left MV and gone back to CA. I was so not happy, as I lived in Gloucester. My Gram had the house in Falmouth across from the Clam Shack, which sadly to say, has left the family after she died. Anyway, loved reading this about my old summer home. The Patriot I remember was red, didn’t know they had more than one. Interesting, Tietje – was his dad the owner of the Clam Shack? What great memories… I gather that you and Joe spend time on both coasts, I’m so glad to know you are “back”! We have moved to FL, and I very much miss the Cape… 🙁 Susan, thank you so much for all the joy and happiness you give us with your art, photos, and blog. I’ve been a VERY long time fan!
🙂
That’s so nice to hear Jaime! Thank you!
Long time fan of Susan Branch “stuff” but friend just turned me on to your blog
Such a lovely way to relax by enjoying your thoughts and watercolors
I’m a lover of watercolor and have done some myself but not creative like you …
Maybe when I grow up …..lol
Thanks for sharing
Thank you Tricia, nice to meet you!
Hi Susan –
Stumbled upon & read about your Voyage while getting the Quickwater schedule, I had a few chuckles – for sure.
It’s nice to see Falmouth represented with Island Queen mentioned and message from Beth Colt of Woods Hole Inn, Quick’s Hole Tavern & Woods Hole Taqueria.
I have collected your cookbooks and was fortunate enough to meet you at a book signing a few years ago.
Have a Great Summer!!!!!!!
Beth
The Patriot Boat does a great service, but try not to do it the way we did!! 🙂
For the past year (ever since I saw Jack’s pony tail band sticking out of his mouth on the October page of your calendar hanging on my fridge)….I have been exploring your website. For the past several years your calendars have been a sure thing on my fridge …BUT…Jack’s face introduced me to a whole new world when I said to myself “I need to check out Susan’s website”. Today I read the blog post about the Patriot Boat. OMG…you are just so funny…what a day brightener. Thank you so much for the pictures, adventure and fun! Love you!! xoxoxox
Love hearing that MaryLou! That was definitely an adventure! Have never had to do it since!
Loved reading about your adventure while my cat Oreo was very cozy on my lap. Oreo looks a lot like Jack!🙃
Hope to take my daughter on a trip to MV someday, so it was helpful getting information from all the comments.
I love 💕 my kitty cup, your books and calendars. Keep up the good work. Oh. My other married daughter lives in England now. I loved visiting there. Sure wish I could have gone on the picnic to do with Beatrix Potter. I have darling Peter Rabbit miniatures in 1inch scale that I found in Hawaii, believe it or not!!
As I was reading this, your MUSIC kicked off to the Gilligan’s Island theme song! Did you do that?
Probably, because, you know, the boat!🤗
I know how you felt. My son-in-law owned a salmon fishing boat and took me and my two sons out early in the morning ( before daybreak) out on Lake Michigan to do some salmon fishing. The lake was rough, ( it looks and acts like the ocean because it’s SO Big. can’t see Wisconsin) I was sitting on the captions chair next to my SIL who was driving and the chair spun around and my sons had to hold me in the chair while we were all laughing our fool heads off. ( I say fools because only fools would go out in that wavy huge lake with white caps in the dark). But we had fun. and caught some fish.
LOL, good story, another happy ending, just the way we like it. And GREAT memories!
Susan, I had totally forgotten about this, and I see I have written before, in 2015! I cracked up at the 3 Stooges bit, I could just envision it!! I’m STILL laughing – the kind of laugh that you try to stop, but can’t, laughing harder and longer each time, eyes watering, getting breathless, can’t speak… You write very visually 😀 I’m amazed that you both didn’t get SICK 🤢, I KNOW I would have!!! Thanks again for the memories and great laugh 🤣 – you are a gem – one in a TRILLION 💖
😂🤣😂🤣😘
I forgot to add: I didn’t remember you girl kitty. Whatever happened with her? I only recall dear Jack…😺
Girl Kitty went to heaven in 2016 . . . 💖