maandag 30 april 2012

a ferry tale
a tribute to James the ferry-man


It's early in the morning and James is starting his day with firing up the ferry's engine, sending wafts of smoke across the water


He crosses the river Zijl to prepare the jetty on the other side.


As soon as he has moored, he climbs his ladder to fasten and hoist his flags.


The knots are tied very carefully and extensively.


And then it is time to get the flags up in the air..... Today they are orange, with red, white and blue boats, because it is Queen's Day... He has manufactured the flags himself!


When all is done and checked, it is time to cross to the other side again and wait for his first fare.


Within minutes, the passengers are flocking to the jetty, patiently waiting for James to take them aboard.


The ferry is already arriving, carrying passengers from the other bank.


James moors the ferry, opens the gate and the passengers get off and on board, continuing their journey.


He collects the fare, tosses the ropes and takes off again, with his new cargo....


Back to the other bank, knowing he will probably repeat this trip numerous times today, since it is a holiday and the weather is fine


4 opmerkingen:

  1. I love your "ferry tale." What a wonderful story you have told with these pictures!

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  2. Great pictures and story, love how you tell this.

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  3. This is a wonderful story! I love both your words and pictures. As I was reading, I kept thinking that if I was still teaching I could share this with my class. Then they could too could meet James! You have created not only a blog post but a book.

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen
  4. Great to see the early morning ritual of 'our' ferryman. Especially because I am an evening person. I like the pictures of the unfolding flags. Thanks for this nice serie. Gert

    BeantwoordenVerwijderen