The Lake Champlain Bridge closed last October because it was determined to be unsafe, said the Rutland Herald. Now, how were commuters between Addison, Vt., and Crown Point, N.Y, going to get across the river. Swim? Get an amphibious car? Wait for the new bridge? Or, none of the above. Luckily, the Lake Champlain Transportation Co. came up with a safer, dryer and less expensive solution: a ferry service that can accommodate up to 50 vehicles at a time.The ferry service is free – as in no cost – and is available 24/7. It leaves Vermont on the hour and a half; returns on the quarter hour and three-quarter hour. Owner Lisa Cloutier of the Bridge Restaurant in Addison welcomed inaugural voyage passengers with free coffee and donuts. Comfort food always helps to pass away the time. A second ferry was scheduled to begin operation in late Feb., and can accommodate up to 40-ton, multiple-axel vehicles. Grab the Champlain ferry and save yourself an almost 100-mile detour around the site of the now-demolished bridge. Save time, save money, take a mini-cruise.