The Lynchburg Ferry, properly

The oldest thing still moving in Harris County. Nathaniel Lynch started a ferry across the San Jacinto here in 1822, when Texas was still Mexico; the boats have changed a great many times and the crossing hasn't. Today the county toll authority runs it, and the ride is free.

When. Weekdays it runs from 4:30 in the morning until 8 at night — that early start is for the plant crews. Weekends it's 11 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening, which surprises everyone who shows up Sunday at nine. Closed on New Year's, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, the Fourth, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The hours on this page are pulled from the county's site every night; the date beside them tells you how fresh they are.

What it is. Two small boats, twelve cars each, a crossing of a few minutes — under three by the county historical commission's count, seven to ten in wind and traffic by the Chronicle's, and the second number is the one to plan by. You'll wait far longer than you ride. On a good Sunday afternoon the wait is thirty minutes; go before noon or after four. Motorcycles and bicycles ride too; there's no charge for anyone.

Why bother. Because from the middle of the channel you see the San Jacinto Monument on one side and the refineries on the other and understand the whole county in one look. Because kids love it without being told to. Because it's free. Because on a weekday at dawn, with the tankers moving and the water flat, it's the most peaceful few minutes in Baytown, and the deckhands have seen everything.

Where. The Baytown-side landing is at 1001 South Independence Parkway North — yes, that's the address. Queue in the lane, turn the engine off, get out and look at the water. Cross, look at the Monument, drive a mile, turn around, cross back. Or keep going to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, which is the better day: the monument, the Battleship Texas's old berth, the marsh trails.

Skip it. When the Fred Hartman is closed for wind. Everyone in the county has the same idea and the line runs for hours. And on the holidays above — the gate is simply shut.