Little Traverse Ferry Co. takes area seniors around bay

Karly Graham, The Petoskey News-Review
·1 min read

PETOSKEY — The Friendship Centers of Emmet County, Council on Aging hosted a senior ferry ride on the Little Traverse Bay on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Little Traverse Ferry Company owner Captain Chris Chamberlain steers the ferry during the senior boat ride Aug. 16, 2023.
Little Traverse Ferry Company owner Captain Chris Chamberlain steers the ferry during the senior boat ride Aug. 16, 2023.

A total of 127 people boarded the boat for the ride around the bay. Friendship Centers of Emmet County, Council on Aging Enrichment Director Lynn Gentner said the group has been hosting rides for several years, but it used to be multiple boat rides on the smaller ferry. This year was the first time the group boarded the larger Harbor Princess boat.

On Aug. 16, 2023, seniors lined up to board the Harbor Princess stationed in downtown Petoskey for a boat tour around Little Traverse Bay.
On Aug. 16, 2023, seniors lined up to board the Harbor Princess stationed in downtown Petoskey for a boat tour around Little Traverse Bay.

Gentner said the idea for the boat ride came from wanting to have outdoor activities for the seniors.

"I was looking for outdoor activities, especially after COVID happened, and I sort of tripped upon the Little Traverse Ferry Company," she said.

Throughout the ride, Captain Chris Chamberlain spoke over the announcement system and gave background information about the places the ferry passed.
Throughout the ride, Captain Chris Chamberlain spoke over the announcement system and gave background information about the places the ferry passed.

After filling the smaller ferry with three groups last summer, Gentner said she decided to try and arrange for one ride on the bigger boat.

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During the ride, seniors walked around the boat trying to catch the best views.
During the ride, seniors walked around the boat trying to catch the best views.

"(The seniors) love it. They want to be outdoors, they want to be active, and boating is a nice one because even someone who's not as mobile can get up there and sit and enjoy the view," Genter said.

As a senior herself, Gentner said she thinks these events are important as they help empower seniors to age in the best possible way with the highest quality of life.

"I believe being out in our beautiful natural area is one way to help your mind and your body, and socializing, it's all good stuff," she said.

— Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. 

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Ferry Co. takes area seniors around bay