Very interesting to see these little bits of "old lore" from around the world... that ferry reminds me a little of small ferry near where I grew up in Denmark, as a kid. It connected two small villages across a long narrow bay; the drive around was some 35 miles; the ferry ride was eight minutes. There was no schedule-- the ferry left when there were "enough cars" (max of 8) or when the captain could see that someone had pulled up on the other side and was waiting.

Cool post-- thanks for sharing!