YARMOUTH, Nova Scotia — They say getting there is half the fun — actually, for me, getting back was the fun part. Travel on the open ocean has a mystique and adventure quality akin to nothing else.

The Blue Nose ferry plies the 100 miles of ocean between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth daily during the summer making the crossing in just over 6 hours, thereby making it possible to journey to a foreign country, gamble and dine while you go, even relax in your own cabin (extra fare). You could take your car along for the ride if you wanted to. For the more adventurous, the trip over and back can be done in one day, 12 or so hours of ocean travel with a few minutes ashore in Yarmouth. For the gambler who can’t let go of the one-armed bandit, this might make for a fun trip. The casino is open once the ship is three miles from shore.

I wouldn’t recommend the one-day turnaround. You would miss seeing the high points of this working waterfront and scenic harbor, expecially if it’s foggy.

There’s another reason I wouldn’t to do the quick turnaround. I’ll admit right up front that I got seasick on the trip and the prospect of hopping back on that sea turtle for an immediate return really wasn’t one I’d have relished. My only solace was that there was a veritable fraternity of white-bag-carrying folks slumped on the fantail looking as green as I was. Thank goodness for a cabin with its own head. My wife and daughter were a bit better off than I, but they conspired mightily on how to get back to Bar Harbor via land — more than 700 miles by road. We also had no car.

I must add that a number of factors were working against me (and numerous others) — thick fog which blotted out the horizon, ground swells which made the ship roll slowly back and forth, a sleepless night before the trip and an unusually large breakfast aboard ship (I never eat a big breakfast). It was my first experience with seasickness and it brought me to my knees. Hey, someone in the family had to provide the entertainment.

Don’t let my twist of luck influence your decision making — when in doubt, take (as directed) one of the motion sickness remedies available at your drug store.

My only regret about the trip over was that the view of Yarmouth on our arrival was obscured by the fog. Fair weather, smoother seas and cooler temperatures made the return trip a delight.

There’s much to do aboard ship — casino gambling, a full service dining room and a snackbar, a duty-free shop, several lounges including one which shows a movie, deck chairs and cabins (additional fare) featuring bunks and bathroom facilities, and even an enclosed children’s playground.

There more to do than the six-hour cruise allows. My introduction to the services began with John Miller, vice president of Atlantic Fleet Services which runs the U.S. operation for Bay Ferries Limited. He met me in Bar Harbor and took care of introductions to the crew. I found getting to know a little about the people responsible for moving up to 818 passengers at once comforting and educational.

For instance there’s Capt. Ken Smith, who started with the ship 30 years ago as a steward, working his way to senior master, the man who tells 18,000 horsepower what to do. Watching him move about the bridge during docking I couldn’t help but think that this youthful man of 48 exuded confidence and calm while 13,170 tons of ship eased up to the dock, responding to his commands.

Then there is Oliver Bourque with passenger services who began his job at sea 28 years ago. A short conversation reveals his passion for service and a belief that everyone he deals with really does go away happy. Or Paul Moulaison, chef on board who has worked on the Bluenose for 41 years. He takes in stride the task of providing a menu for both the dining room and snack bar aboard. There are several employees who are second generation ferry employees, and assistant dock foreman Wayne Lee, with the company now 12 years, represents the middle of three generations. His father was the first dock foreman 41 years ago and his son is a summer ticket agent. Several other employees have more than 20 years experience with the Blue Nose.

Crew members I had a chance to meet were professional and ready to serve. When you’re 50 miles from shore gliding over 700 feet of water it’s comforting to know that someone is there who can help you whatever your need, whatever the eventuality.