NEAH BAY — Residents and workers expressed surprise, even shock, that in a week the rusty 1935 ferry Kalakala will dominate the westward harbor views in this Makah tribal community.
But, like the pitter-patter of relentless winter rains surrendering to afternoon sunshine, most along Neah Bay’s waterfront on Sunday saw the Kalakala’s pending arrival in a positive light — one good for tourism and the economy.
“As manager of this hotel, I think it would be beneficial to tourism,” said Neuee Ward, who teaches sixth grade at Neah Bay Elementary School and co-manages The Cape Motel.
Her husband and motel-managing partner, Steve Ward, agreed, saying, “It might bring some looky-loos.”
Other residents voiced similar sentiments.
“Anything new in Neah Bay is exciting,” said Lorna Johnson, who was visiting Neah Bay Marina with her husband, John, and brother, Robert Cummins.
John Johnson is the son of Makah Tribal Council Chairman Ben Johnson Jr.
Steve Rodrigues, owner of the Kalakala, says the 276-foot-long vessel will be moved this weekend from Seattle’s Lake Union — first to Neah Bay and later this year to Everett.
After that, if the owner’s plans are realized, the ship will be towed to a permanent home in Port Angeles.
Rodrigues said the boat will be mounted on floats Saturday, with towing set to begin the next day.
The trip through the Ballard Locks and on to Neah Bay will take 42 hours, said Cherie Kidd, the Port Angeles-based Kalakala Alliance Foundation’s president.
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The story appears in Monday’s Peninsula Daily News.