Almost summer

I know that summer is just around the corner when the ferry division announces they are adding back the extra mainland ferry runs which help bring visitors over to the island from Swan Quarter and Cedar Island during the busy season. Today was the day for that announcement, so here it is for your edification, enjoyment, and vacation planning needs. :)

ADDITIONAL FERRY RUNS TO OCRACOKE WILL BEGIN MAY 25

MANNS HARBOR — The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division has announced the addition of two extra runs at its Swan Quarter-Ocracoke and Cedar Island-Ocracoke routes beginning May 25, 2010.

“This is an exciting announcement,” said interim director Charlie Fearing. “We are pleased to offer people a more flexible ferry schedule to better meet their travelling needs.”

Beginning May 25 and lasting through Nov. 1, there will four departure times from both sides at the Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route daily.

Departure times will be:
· From Ocracoke at 6:30 a.m., 9:30, 12 noon and 4:30 p.m. and
· From Swan Quarter at 7 a.m., 9:30, 12:30 p.m. and 5.

The Cedar Island-Ocracoke route will begin offering a later evening departure on May 4, when there will be a 6 p.m. ferry leaving both Ocracoke and Cedar Island. Then on May 25 through Nov. 1, there will be six departure times from both sides daily.

Departure times will be:
· From Ocracoke at 7 a.m., 10, 12:30 p.m., 3:30, 6 and 8:30; and
· From Cedar Island at 7 a.m., 9:30, 12:30 p.m., 3:30, 6 and 8:30.

Those interested in obtaining the PDF of all the ferry route schedules, can go to www.ncferry.org and download the schedule for printing. The updated schedules can also be heard by calling 1-800-BY-FERRY (293-3779) and Press 1.