Jim Johnson of Bridgeville logs 125th trip on Cape May-Lewes Ferry

When Jim Johnson of Bridgeville took his 122nd trip on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry this summer, he began eagerly planning for cruise number 125. Sure enough, Johnson hit the milestone Sept. 29, and joined a growing number of ferry frequent travelers.

The ferry appreciates its frequent travelers, and there are many. Some folks even travel with the ferry more than 125 times in a single year. The ferry sells 6-pack and 12-pack discounted tickets for frequent travelers, and there are Ferry VIPs who travel at least 50 times a year to qualify for additional amenities.

Johnson's ferry tales date all the way back to 1965, the ferry's second year of operation, when he took his first cruise across the Delaware Bay. He loves being on the water and soon grew to love his trips on the ferry. He regularly visits relatives in North Cape May, and he also loves to take the ferry as a relaxing break when traveling farther north.

A self-described serial planner, Johnson kept track of all his ferry journeys in a notebook dating back to his childhood. More recently, he has kept all his ferry ticket stubs as mementos of his ferry adventures.

Jim's wife Bonnie accompanied him on his landmark 125th cruise. Her ferry tales stretch back many years as well. Jim thought a ferry ride was so special that he chose one back in 1990 to propose to Bonnie. The ferry is a romantic way to travel, and it takes travelers back to a simpler, less-hectic way of life.

The Johnsons enjoy getting together with friends on the ferry. They come on board a few times every summer for the Rock the Boat musical cruises, round-trip excursions which include live bands, beautiful sunsets, cool bay breezes, refreshing beverages and lots of fun. The Johnsons planned for Jim's special 125th cruise to coincide with a Rock the Boat cruise featuring one of their favorite local bands, Glass Onion. A good time was had by all, and Jim is reportedly already at work on his next 125 ferry cruises.