1972 ❖ STEAMING with S S VIRGINIA V ❖

SS VIRGINIA V
(222170)
Steaming since her launching in 1922
at Maplewood, WA.
Original photo from the archives of
the Saltwater People Historical Society©

Puget Sounders who were used to knocking about in boats from ferries down to pleasure craft found something new afloat along some favorite travel lanes in this year. Seattle's Puget Sound Excursion Line ran three-day cruises aboard its steamship VIRGINIA V through the San Juan Islands.
      The cruises, 12 in all, made the run from June through September leaving from Seattle's Fisherman's Terminal.
      After being lowered to sea level through Government Locks –– the VIRGINIA V steamed to Coupeville on Whidbey Island.
      This town, one of Washington's oldest communities, featured historic buildings and shops reminiscent of the mid-1800s. 
      Following lunch at Coupeville, the ship continued along the Inland Channel, through the Swinomish Indian Reservation and La Conner into Skagit Bay, then past Anacortes into the Rosario Straits. Steaming past Blakely, Shaw, and many other San Juan Islands, the VIRGINIA V headed for Orcas Island and Rosario Resort, formerly the grand estate of the shipbuilder Robert A. Moran and then one of the most luxurious spas on the West Coast.
      Two nights and one day was spent on Orcas –– largest of the San Juans.
      From Orcas, the ship sailed to Kitsap's neighbor, Port Townsend, where passengers could view old homes and shops.
      From Port Townsend, the VIRGINIA returned to her home port of Seattle.
Ken Martin, The Bremerton Sun, February 20 1972.
From the archives of the S.P.H.S.