Chee-cha-mahan was the second son of Chief La’kaynem, who was the seventh son of Chief Ste-ti-thlum the younger. La’kaynem aka Lord Nelson, was a S’Klallam Tribal member, not Skagit. It was an honor for me to bless the newest ferry at Port Townsend on November 14, 2010. May she travel safely for many decades to come. Ho, All My Relations.
Spiritual Leader, Patrick Adams, Jamestown Tribal Member
The winners of the Chetzemoka Ferry Giveaway are raving about their ferry trips on the new vessel, as well as their getaways in Port Townsend and Whidbey Island. Gaile writes: “The weekend get-away couldn’t have been better. The room at the Bishop Victorian Hotel was utterly charming, and our cabin at the Captain Whidbey Inn was adorable. I loved seeing Port Townsend — such a fascinating town! Coupeville was great, as well, and I especially liked how the architecture of the two towns was like “a trip through history.” First you have the Victorian brick buildings of PT, and then the clapboard New England whaling village look of Coupleville’s Front Street. Love it! I listened to the (post-contest) radio ad, and I think you’ve hit on a great idea — suggesting that folks combine the two towns and take the ferry between, because the whole experience really makes for a great, varied, and relaxing weekend. You really feel as if you’ve been “away from it all” even in just two days. “ Jerri writes: “I wanted you to know how much we enjoyed the trip. The Chetzemoka is a beautiful ferry. what a fun and lovely way to travel between two wonderful cities. It was fascinating to learn some of the history of Port Townsend and Whidbey Island, by way of spending the night in a piece of it. the staff of both hotels were excellent in accommodating us with everything we desired. We had a great time in both towns and got a lot of great pictures. I feel that it was very historically informative and culturally enlightening. I would definitely return…” Thanks to both couples for letting us know about their time in our neck of the woods!
To celebrate the launch of the ferry Chetzemoka, Port Townsend and Coupeville gave away a pair of great weekend holiday getaways for two - and those getaways took place in late November and early December.
Each package included one night and dinner at the Captain Whidbey Inn in Coupeville and one night at the Bishop Victorian Hotel in Port Townsend with dinner at T’s Restaurant. Free ferry rides on the Chetzemoka were included.
From all reports, great times were had by both couples - reinforcing why this area is one of Washington’s favorite getaway locales!
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Port Towsnend - Whidbey Island Ferry Schedule -
The MV Chetzemoka is now on the job, ferrying passengers and vehicles between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island. View the current WSDOT sailing schedule for Chetzemoka, or make a trip reservation.
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Launch day arrives!

In a spirit of appreciation, the City of Port Townsend has commissioned local artist Max Grover to create a painting to give to Pierce County officials as a formal thank you for use of the Steilacoom II ferry since January 2008.
“We are deeply grateful to Pierce County for their willingness to let Washington State Ferries lease the Steilacoom II ferry and keep traffic moving between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island,” said Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval. “The message on the painting sums it up perfectly—‘On behalf of all those who ride the ferry, the City of Port Townsend thanks the people of Pierce County for the use of the Steilacoom II in our time of need.’”
If members of the public also wish to express their thanks to Pierce County, a card is available to sign at City Hall, Suite 2, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. , Monday through Friday, until November 12. Max Grover’s painting will be on display in the office as well.
Following the inaugural sailing of Chetzemoka, the ferry will be open to the public as an “Open House” from 1-2:30 pm on Nov. 14th, following the tribal ceremony at 12:30pm.
The Port Townsend Main Street Program will hold its 25th Anniversary Port Townsend Family Portrait—a Community Photo Shoot—at 3pm, Sunday, November 14th at the Port Townsend Ferry Dock with the new ferry Chetzemoka in the background.
The Port Townsend Family Portrait is sponsored by Puget Sound Energy. David Conklin (conklinphoto.com) is the event photographer, assisted by Linda Townsend. The poster will be printed by The Printery Communications and will be available the following day. Posters will cost $10 each.
Watch for event updates on the Port Townsend Main Street’s website (www.ptmainstreet.org) and the program’s Facebook page.
Want to be a part of the portrait? Gather at The Port Townsend Ferry Dock, Sunday, November 14th at 3 pm!