Black and white photo aboard the Edison Queen ferry crossing Lake Edison, Captain Paint at the helm on the left.

The Ferryman

Lake Thomas A. Edison, Sierra National Forest, California

Captain Paint — Perry Harris — at the helm of the Edison Queen, carrying hikers to Vermilion Valley Resort the way he had for years. We spent an evening of our zero day drinking and trading stories with him. Six weeks after this frame, his ferry struck a rock; he steered it ashore, got every passenger off safely, and collapsed at the helm. He was 68. I am glad this photograph exists.

Nikon Z 7_2 · 17-35mm f/2.8D · 17mm · f/5 · 1/400 · ISO 140

July 11, 2025

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More from Lake Thomas A. Edison, Sierra National Forest, California

Long exposure of Lake Edison at night from Vermilion Valley Resort, mountains mirrored in still water.Black and white photo of backpackers riding the morning ferry across Lake Edison back to the John Muir Trail.

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