Panic at the Ferry

Today, I had oral argument at Island County Superior Court at 9:30 am. I had plans to meet firm partner, Brad, at the Mukilteo ferry dock so that we could get on the ferry together, in his car. I was to park my car on 2nd. The night before, I mapped how long it would take to get there. 35 minutes. I had driven to the Superior Court before, at this time, so I knew there wouldn’t be much traffic. We were to board the 8 am ferry. I left my apartment at 7 am.

I got in my car and realized that I didn’t have enough gas to get to the ferry terminal. Ok. That’s ok, I thought. That will take 5 minutes. I start driving down I-5 watching for the closest gas station to pull off to. I decided to get off on I-5 at exit 174. I drove to the Valero 1 minute away and my card wouldn’t work outside. I had to go inside to pay for my gas. I start to panic. I finish getting gas and rush back towards the freeway. The on-ramp is closed to construction. I curse all the times that Google maps has failed me.

I take the detour and now there’s traffic at the 145th St on-ramp because 130th is closed. I really start to panic. My heart stops at every red light.

Brad calls me at 7:40 am and asks what my eta is. I say …I am really cutting it close. I’m almost there but google says my eta is 8:00 am. Brad says that’s when the ferry is leaving. I say I know, you should drive on, and I’ll walk on if I make it. Brad says to call him when I get there. I have not been this panicked since the bar exam (and then waiting for the results).

I rush to the terminal. It’s 7:57 am. I park on 2nd Street and run, in my heels, down to the ticketing gates. I breathlessly ask where I can by a walk on ticket. The ticketing guy takes pity on me and says I can buy one there. I anxiously dig for my card and buy a ticket. He says don’t worry, the ferry leaves in 3 minutes and it takes 1 minute to walk down there. I run anyway. When I get there, the guy there says: you’ve been running a long way. I say I know! I really needed to make this ferry! He laughs; I walk on and I’m shaking.

Brad calls me and I say I made it! Did you see me walk on? He says yeah I saw you walk on in the last minute in my rearview mirror.

Brad says: Melanie, you like to live life on the edge.

I said: No, I really don’t.

Takeaway:

1. I would have made it to the hearing even if I missed that ferry but..

2. Don’t be late. Give yourself an extra hour even if you’ve driven that route before and you’ve never had problems. Also, make sure you have gas in your car.