Let’s compare the cost and time of traveling by road vs. by ferry to Juneau. If you have an appointment in Juneau for any multitude of reasons, on Day 1, using the ferry, you would leave Haines at 5 p.m. and arrive in Juneau at 9:30 p.m. ($37 walk-on, $75 with car), and overnight at $110. On Day 2, have your appointment and overnight again at $110. On Day 3, hop the 7 a.m. ferry to Haines ($37 or $75) and arrive at noon. Total cost: $292 walk-on or $442 with car. Now, using a car that gets 30 mpg, on Day 1 you arrive in Juneau ($15 for gas), have your appointment and drive back to Haines. Total cost, including shuttle ferry, just $60. Sharing the cost with two would be $30 each, with three, $20 each, with four, $15; or just load up with groceries,freight, etc., still at $60.
Support the “scenic, sea-level highway” to Juneau. It’s more convenient, cost and time-saving. Enjoy the wildlife and scenic pull-outs and no chains or seasick bags required in winter.
Dave Werner