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New Members
Post by dougubell on Jan 7, 2006, 7:21pm

Why have there been so many new members over the past few weeks who haven't even posted? If you are new...don't hesitate to post. Introduce yourself here. :)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 10, 2006, 7:29pm

I feel a bit of a rant coming on, so please bear with me:

I don't want to sound like an oldtimer who can't handle change, but we've got some new members who are posting, lots of posting, creating new polls, posting stuff we've talked about already and even taking some silly shots at each other.

Just like a real life club, I expect new members to please introduce themselves, so the established members can know who you are, where you're coming from, and what we can expect from you. That's courtesy, and basic social skills, in my opinion.

Mainlander 101 is a new member. He's posted over 45 times in past 10 days. He's also started a few polls. He's posted some irrelevant old news. He's made a few strange (in my opinion) comments. He's left myself, and Doug, wondering who this guy really is !

I asked him on a thread a few days ago to please go to this thread, and introduce himself to all of us. He has not done this.

I sent him a personal-message yesterday, asking nicely for him to introduce himself to us. Again, no response.

In the meantime, he has continued to post today.

I think that Mainlander 101 is missing a few brain cells, and is likely below age 13. That's based on his behaviour on this board. Anyone else agree that this guy seems a big odd and aloof...?


Then there's the new twosome that I noticed posting today: BWEIDEMA3131 and JAMESA7171. No clue in their registration profiles who these guys are, and what their background, age, location are. They just waltz into this established forum, and start posting trash.

Check out today's postings. They're even squabbling with Mainlander101, our mystery member. These 3 posters are likely still in elementary school

So, new people, please identify yourselves on this thread.....ie. please give us the courtesy of an introduction.
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jan 10, 2006, 7:57pm

Hi.
I am new on this Forum, and located in Greater Van.

I began riding ferries when I was little. Every year we drove up to Comox to our Waterfront Cabin, via TSW-DKPT. Ever since I take trips up the Sunshine Coast, Inside Passage, and the Gulf Islands.

Ferries I have never been on include:
-Kwuna
-Queen on the North
-Queen of Vancouver
-Queen of Saanich
-Tachek
-Klitsa
-Nimpkish

Fav Ferries include:
-all the C's
-all the Spirits
-Queen of PR
-Queen of Burnaby

^_^
-mainlander101
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Jan 10, 2006, 7:57pm

Yes, I must agree, we are a community now aren't we? I am also tired of the garbage, I wonder where the garbage men are?
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 10, 2006, 8:02pm

I'll take out the garbage tomorrow night.
Re: New Members
Post by welwyn on Jan 10, 2006, 8:28pm

Ferries I have been on: Saanich, Vancouver, Cowichan, SOVI, SOBC, Skeena Queen, Quinsam, Harbourlynx.
Favourites: Quinsam, Mill Bay, Skeena Queen, SOVI(Old) and SOBC. But I like all of them.
I am from England originally, but really live in Sidney on Vancouver Island.
Re: New Members
Post by jamesa7171 on Jan 11, 2006, 9:22pm


Quote:
I feel a bit of a rant coming on, so please bear with me:

I don't want to sound like an oldtimer who can't handle change, but we've got some new members who are posting, lots of posting, creating new polls, posting stuff we've talked about already and even taking some silly shots at each other.

Just like a real life club, I expect new members to please introduce themselves, so the established members can know who you are, where you're coming from, and what we can expect from you. That's courtesy, and basic social skills, in my opinion.

Mainlander 101 is a new member. He's posted over 45 times in past 10 days. He's also started a few polls. He's posted some irrelevant old news. He's made a few strange (in my opinion) comments. He's left myself, and Doug, wondering who this guy really is !

I asked him on a thread a few days ago to please go to this thread, and introduce himself to all of us. He has not done this.

I sent him a personal-message yesterday, asking nicely for him to introduce himself to us. Again, no response.

In the meantime, he has continued to post today.

I think that Mainlander 101 is missing a few brain cells, and is likely below age 13. That's based on his behaviour on this board. Anyone else agree that this guy seems a big odd and aloof...?


Then there's the new twosome that I noticed posting today: BWEIDEMA3131 and JAMESA7171. No clue in their registration profiles who these guys are, and what their background, age, location are. They just waltz into this established forum, and start posting trash.

Check out today's postings. They're even squabbling with Mainlander101, our mystery member. These 3 posters are likely still in elementary school

So, new people, please identify yourselves on this thread.....ie. please give us the courtesy of an introduction.


Well, if you wish.

The reason you don't see anything in my profile about me is due to the fact that I don't really like posting that information. The last few forums I was on, some immature idiots started flaming me about that stuff. So, I just keep quiet.

In regards to mainlander101 - he is a humongous ferry addict. In fact, he loves everything about transportation. He was the one who told me about this site, I really must remember to thank him for that.

Also - Please give him a rest, he knows too much for his own good. He's somewhat of an outcast in school because of this.

In regards to bweidema3131 - he is somewhat of an immature brat. He knows nothing about ferries, the only reason he signed up for this board was to flame mainlander101.

For the record - We're 13-14, and in high school.

Anyways, if I must give an introduction.....

I'm 14, I live in Greater Vancouver.....

I try to be mature, but with certain people in my life that is somewhat impossible.

I'm wasn't really interested in ferries, but due to the fact that my friend is insanely addicted to them, I decided to give them a try. What do you know, they are actually quite interesting.

What to expect from me - an appearance every 2 days or so, hopefully with something to add to a discussion each time.

Anyways, if you require more, let me know.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Jan 11, 2006, 9:36pm

Well, welcome to the forum, all of you.
There isn't really ever a dull moment on this forum. We all share pictures and information on BC Ferries of course, along with other ferries that are out there. Feel free to read the old and obsolete posts at the bottom of the main page, to get up to speed with everyone else on here. If you have any questions, all you need to do is ask any member on here. I'm sure they'd be glad to help you out. If you have any debate ideas, post them! We like a good debate around here. Once and a while some of the members get together and attend tours of certain ferries. The last trip was on the First BC Ferry, Queen of Sidney, which we went on one last time before she goes for scrap sometime this month or so.
Hopefully you guys stick around for a bit, and have fun!
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jan 11, 2006, 9:40pm

I'm glad you gave us insight into who you guys are.

When I joined this forum, I didn't plan on posting very often, but I found topics interesting and there was always something to debate about. Now I have the 3rd most amount of posts on this forum, and I keep in regular contact with most of the regulars on this board. Some members of this board have even met in person (eg: Queen of Sidney tour, and the upcoming Garibaldi tour, and a few other times where members have ended up in the same place at the right time).

I hope you have a good time here!
Re: New Members
Post by ferryfreakshane on Jan 12, 2006, 6:59am

Welcome to the forum.
Thanks for telling about yourselves and if you have any questions, like Chris said, just ask us so....Have fun!
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jan 12, 2006, 11:40am

Sorry if i've been a bit of an idiot in the past while. I'm a little behind on the times, and will try to further my knowledge with the obsolete posts (hint by Strong Skier, thx for that). Anyway, thx to James for further introducing me, and everyone else for further welcoming me to the forum. ;)

Re: New Members
Post by chivapcici on Jan 12, 2006, 2:43pm

Sorry guys, if some does not like new members who do not introduce themselfes - it might appear as "a bit" rude and of course I do not know whether there are reasons or whether it´s just been a case of beeing careless.

To be honest, I will not introduce myself here - or not very much, I like to keep a bit of privacy though and I do have good reasons for this.

But, so much: I am much older than many of you here, I am coming from a different place, I do have different background as well, and as you have noticed probably - I am a so-called "ferry-buff". My interest is not and will never be only the local Canadian/European/Asian ferries since I think we do have many interesting ships all around our little planet.

My favourite quote is: "Good thing takes time". This is why I always try to contribute and do good posts, rather than some hastily written stuff which is a pain in the @xe for others to read.


Quote:
I think that Mainlander 101 is missing a few brain cells, and is likely below age 13. That's based on his behaviour on this board. Anyone else agree that this guy seems a big odd and aloof...?


Well, actually if one here said such thing about ME you´d never see me again here :D I am a very sensitive character and do take insults ...

Last not least - I like that place, a great and informative forum, and good moderators - as long they do not insult other members, of course so I suspect one had just a bad day..




Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 12, 2006, 6:31pm


Quote:
[quote author=chivapcici board=nonBCF thread=1136690463 post=1137105804
Last not least - I like that place, a great and informative forum, and good moderators - as long they do not insult other members, of course so I suspect one had just a bad day..


Well, now that the new people have finally introduced themselves, I can better understand where they are coming from. And by "introduction" I don't mean a personal biography with name, address, phone #, bank account #, date of birth and marital status........I was just expecting a "hello, I'm new here. I like ferries because _____. Expect to see me posting here" stuff.

Re my quote that was insulting to this new poster, you have to remember that I contacted him twice asking him to introduce himself, and he did not respond. So I wanted to persuade him to tell us who he is.....in a general sense. So yes, this lack of response was frustrating to me, and it was a "bad day" type of response. I try to remember to address the "content" of someone's post, and not their character. Sometimes I mess up on this. So Mainlander-101, sorry for making my criticism personal about your "brain cells". From what your friend tells me, you know a lot about ferries, so I look forward to more contribution from you.

late modification:
- re Mainlander-101, my rant comment in this thread did result in him finally give the whole board a clue who he is and where he's coming from.....so the rant style sometimes works...when all other styles fail.
Re: New Members
Post by alex on Jan 12, 2006, 9:11pm

Welcome everyone!

Don't fret too much about posting old stuff. Obviously, make an effort to use the search function, but if you happen to accidentally post something already discussed, don't worry about it. Everyone makes mistakes.

I would hope that next time people would be a bit more polite to users who post old stuff. All that needs to be said is that it was already discussed, and (if you feel like it), a link to the old threat so the new poster can check it out.

So yeah, have fun.
Re: New Members
Post by arat on Jan 12, 2006, 10:49pm

Alright , So another Newbie here not wanting to get you guys upset about Newbies not posting a comment, so. My names Tara(arat spelt backwards I know tricky). I live on Vancouver Island, In a pretty small town about a half an hour away form the ferry terminals, Chris actually got me on this forum he knows about a billion times more about ferries than I do, but the topics I find on here are quite interesting, the debates are great to read and I'll soon be puttin my two cents in.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 13, 2006, 6:55am

Welcome. We all look forward to your contributions.
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Jan 13, 2006, 3:20pm

Welome all! Have a seat in the lounge and grab a drink!
Re: New Members
Post by jamesa7171 on Jan 13, 2006, 8:12pm

Yikes, computer is going berserk....I might not be on for a while.
Re: New Members
Post by admin on Jan 14, 2006, 12:38pm


Quote:
I don't mean a personal biography with name, address, phone #, bank account #, date of birth and marital status........I was just expecting a "hello, I'm new here. I like ferries because _____. Expect to see me posting here" stuff.


Phone number, no, but credit card number maybe;) Just kidding.

New members are welcome. Let's just keep any debates/arguments on this forum focused on ferries, and not on personal differences.

I'll also make this thread "sticky" so everyone new will see it.
Re: New Members
Post by chivapcici on Jan 14, 2006, 2:25pm

No Credit card.. though could provide my account - nr. - so if anyone feels to contribute then it would be welcome and if I am once in my life lucky the outcome will rather be enough money for a cruise onboard the Queen Mary II rather than the Queen of Vancouver Island :D
Re: New Members
Post by evergreenfleet on Jan 16, 2006, 4:31pm

Oops, I thought I'd done this already...well, heck, sorry about that...though I'm a fairly new member, I think most are familar with my site (evergreenfleet.com) and my rentless obsession with finding out whatever happend to the Sechelt Queen (sounds like a bad '60's movie).

Er, I live in Anacortes and work on the Elwha for most of the year save when the Sidney run is shut down for winter. I'm over 30 yrs old and the owner of a 15 pound cat with a bad attitude.

Ferries have been a driving interest for much of my life. I got seriously into the history of Puget Sound ferries about ten years ago which has resulted in a book being published. Since the Puget Sound ferries touched the B.C. ferries I started to branch out my interest from there, starting with Captain Peabody's boats then more and more into the rest of the fleet. I finally got a chance to take a ride on a B.C. ferry last October ( the Queen of Oak Bay) and was very impressed.

I'm also impressed with the depth of knowledge on this board...it is always great to come across a group of folks/fellow historians/ferry fanatics who are so passionate about the subject. :) It is always a pleasure to read the posts here.

Re: New Members
Post by engineer on Jan 19, 2006, 6:14pm


Quote:
I feel a bit of a rant coming on, so please bear with me:



Get a life Ultra...................If we were all perfect then what?
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 19, 2006, 6:48pm


Quote:

Quote:
I feel a bit of a rant coming on, so please bear with me:



Get a life Ultra...................If we were all perfect then what?


Yeah, I really messed that one up pretty good. Another one of life's lessons....hopefully learned.
Re: New Members
Post by klitsa on Feb 11, 2006, 3:01pm

I think you guy's know me....but oh well. I live in the Okanagan and have always been passionate with ferries ever since I rode on my first ferry(the queen of nanaimo!)I am 16 years old and I do know a fair amount of information about ferries even though i live 7 hours away. I try to post as often as possible, but i am sort of picky about what i reply to. So that is why you guys don't normally see me posting much

Queen of Nanaimo
Re: New Members
Post by ferrytraveller on Feb 22, 2006, 11:12pm

hi, everyone
i am new to the fourm, though i have been browsing it for the past few months
i start liking ferries since i was little
and i have been riding the ferries since i was 6
Re: New Members
Post by welwyn on Feb 23, 2006, 3:38pm

Well, hi there! And welcome.

The first time I travelled on a ferry was when I was 11, and that was when I arrived from England, going to Brentwood Bay near Victoria in August 2004.
Re: New Members
Post by fivetwo on Feb 25, 2006, 10:39am

Hi All, Seeing that I had not officially introduced myself, and that I have been a member for a while now, I thought it appropriate to send this off.
As a lot of you already know, I have been involved with the Queen of Sidney since BCF sold her about 3 or so years ago. We had originally purchased the Albert J Savoie, then sold her and now own the Sidney.
Cascade originally asked me to join here, and although I travel between Van Is and Mainland regularly on the BCF, and I love ferries, I have learned much more from this forum.
When I travel on BCF now, the trip isn't long enough to study each ship as much as I like. In fact I get odd looks from the staff at times because I will look at things that normal tourists don't, and I guess, they think I look suspicious , this all because of you guys (and my intimate knowledge of the Sidney) !
I had the pleasure of going on one of the fastcat's last trials. We were picked up at HB terminal and went out into the strait as she was put through her many maneuvers. We were out for about 2 hours, they dropped us off at HB again and then she went straight to Canada place for her final sale to WMG, I felt that was a sad "last ride" and was very historic to me,particularly because of what I am reading on this forum about them. I thought they were beautiful ships, too bad they were not engineered properly. I posted some pics of that some time ago.
I met some of you on the Sidney tour and I still communicate with a bunch of you via MSN.
I don't post too often because you all know too much!
I log on from time to time to catch up on "what's happening" and will continue to.

Great forum!
Re: New Members
Post by engineer on Apr 30, 2006, 2:04am


Quote:
As a lot of you already know, I have been involved with the Queen of Sidney since BCF sold her about 3 or so years ago. We had originally purchased the Albert J Savoie, then sold her and now own the Sidney.


When you say own the Sidney? who would "we" be?
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Apr 30, 2006, 8:44am

"We" is him and Arthur, or Art. Art bought the Queen of Sidney I believe off of Rainy Bay logging, or was it BCF? I can't remember...
Art held a site on the net last year advertising parts of the Sidney for sale. That site is now gone, so I had to archive it. There used to be a picture at the top showing it being towed up the Fraser, under the skytrain bridge I believe. Looked kinda neat, but sad. Anyways, next time he comes on, he'll have to fill in the blanks I left for him...

http://web.archive.org/web/20050202090951/http://arthursmarine.com/
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on May 3, 2006, 3:24pm

Hello Everybody,

My name is Alan and I.ve been a member of the BC Ferries yahoogroup for the last few years. Chris
was nice enough to post the beaching of the Ocoa over there with a link over to this site. So I have been
checking this site out for the last few months. I quite enjoy going through all the posts on here. It's great
that there are so many people, all different ages, interested in shipping. And it's also great that a few BC
Ferries employees belong here as well. Their participation makes for a well-rounded forum.

Like many of you, my interest in these ships goes back to spending summers on family vacations on
Vancouver Island as a little boy. Truly the highlight of these trips for me was watching a pre-V-class ship
slide into her berth at Swartz Bay. Or, to be standing right under the funnel when the ships whistle was
sounded! I choose the username "Airchime" because I just love the sound of those old whistle's.

Nowadays, in addition to the whistle's, my favorite part of this hobby is taking pictures. I love that there
is a section for ferry photos here! Thanks to a tip from Strong Skier I've set up my own Photobucket
album, so I'll be able to post my pictures on this site.

I like how you guys get together and go for rides or tours of different ships. I'm kinda sorry I missed the
tour of the Sidney, but I'm looking forward to seeing where else you guys go.

So, that's it in a nutshell. Thanks for reading,

Alan (Airchime)
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on May 3, 2006, 10:34pm

Welcome to the Forum, Alan.

As I'm sure you likely know, almost all of the members from this Forum, belong to the Yahoo forum, so there really isn't too many strangers around here.
We try to make the best out of our tours, by trying to get the opportunity to exploring other areas of the Ferries, instead of just sticking to the areas the normal public areas. The only problem is, getting the permission to tour the Ferries while they're underway is a bit difficult while they're underway, so we try to look for the perfect opportunities while the Ferries are out of service. We were very lucky with the Queen of Sidney tour, and that one caught me by suprise when we got the OK to go. Also, some of the members, including myself, also enjoy just simply going for a round trip on a Ferry, which can still be just as equally fun to do.

Seeming you've selected your username to be the name brand of all of the Ferries horns in the Fleet, except for one, is great, seeming it appears that you have a similar interest in the horns as I do. Which is why I created this website, and is a growing project for me, which I just don't really have the time to do so much anymore, as the last update I had was in February.

http://www.geocities.com/chris_iscool2001/BC_Ferries_Horns.index.html

Thank you for introducing yourself, and everyone on this forum, including myself will look forward to your discussions and contributions to the Forum!

-- Chris, creator of the Ferry Horns of BC website.
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on May 4, 2006, 1:33pm

Thanks Chris,

I've been over to your site and I can remember thinking, "Wow, someone likes the horns as much as
me!"

Hey, looks like another tour of the Sidney may be in the works! Lucky I joined when I did.

Alan
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on May 4, 2006, 3:20pm

Welcome, Alan.

Cheers,
Graham
Re: New Members
Post by scott on May 4, 2006, 5:41pm

Welcome to the forum, Alan..! ;D

BTW, anyone want to guess how much just one 'KM' series horn costs..? ;)
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on May 4, 2006, 5:59pm

I would like to know; I'm quite a John Q. Sixpack when it comes to ferry horns.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on May 4, 2006, 6:19pm


Quote:
Welcome to the forum, Alan..! ;D

BTW, anyone want to guess how much just one 'KM' series horn costs..? ;)


Hmm, $5000-$15000?

Here's the Airchime Website:
http://www.airchime.com/marine.asp
Re: New Members
Post by scott on May 4, 2006, 11:17pm

Good guess, Chris..! Depending on the model (tone they produce), they start at over $5000 a piece...

Ships like the 'C' Class have three on each end, totaling somewhere in the vicinity of $30,000 worth of horns on each 'C' class ship... :o
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on May 6, 2006, 12:33am

Hey Scott,

Were you/Are you a member of the BC Ferries yahoogroup?

Was it you that posted a message a while back about the musical note each horn produces on the
major ships? I found that message so facinating I just had to print off a copy!

Do you (or anyone else) know the note the Spirits (and Pacificats) blow?

Thanks,
Alan
Re: New Members
Post by welwyn on May 6, 2006, 6:51am

Just one deep blow for the Spirits. Chris's old site had that on it.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on May 6, 2006, 7:30am

I love that blow... brings back memories, as I was raised within earshot of Tsawwassen terminal. :)
Re: New Members
Post by scott on May 6, 2006, 4:56pm


Quote:
Hey Scott,

Were you/Are you a member of the BC Ferries yahoogroup?

Was it you that posted a message a while back about the musical note each horn produces on the
major ships? I found that message so facinating I just had to print off a copy!

Do you (or anyone else) know the note the Spirits (and Pacificats) blow?

Thanks,
Alan


Hey Alan,

Yes, that was me that posted the individual tones produced by the major ferries on the Yahoo site...

As for the Spirits, they both sound a 'C'.
The Pacificats - I am unsure...

Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on May 6, 2006, 5:08pm

I remember the Pacificats horns, but never had the ability, or though to record it back in 1999, as I thought they would be around for a while....
But the Cats have the exact same horn the Spirits are equipped with.

SOVI:
http://www.geocities.com/chris_iscool2001/sovi.wma
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on May 9, 2006, 10:29am

]Hey Alan,

Yes, that was me that posted the individual tones produced by the major ferries on the Yahoo site...

As for the Spirits, they both sound a 'C'.
The Pacificats - I am unsure.

Thanks Scott,

One more question........

The notes the Tsawwassen (and Sidney) sound?

Thanks,
Alan
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on May 13, 2006, 7:22pm

Certainly a higer-pitch tone from the Queen of Tsawwassen's Horn, I can tell you that much.

--===============================================================--

Thanks for the horn-link, Chris

Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on May 13, 2006, 7:36pm

It's like that for the Minor Class, too.

-QOB Teen
Re: New Members
Post by scott on May 16, 2006, 8:53pm

Does anyone have a recording of the Tsawwassen's horn..? If so, please PM me...
Re: New Members
Post by oldwsffan on May 28, 2006, 12:13am

Hello, my name is Jon and I recently joined this forum and I must say it is very interesting. I have been visiting this site for the past 6 months or so. My primary interest is in the WSF fleet but I do find the BC ferry system impressive. I am forty something and lived on Vashon Island as a child, so I have very vivid memories of the wide array of vessels that WSF has used over the years. I don't get to ride the ferries as often as I would like to so this forum is where I can get my "ferry-fix" whenever I need it. Well that's all for now........
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on May 28, 2006, 1:22pm

It's good to see a diverse range of us. I know our WSF regulars are getting to be more which is awesome, as it keeps the activity up on the forum. It's good to have you on-board!
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on May 28, 2006, 7:33pm

Yeah Welcome :)

I can assure you this: You will be getting your fair share of WSF Service Bullitins, new vessel updates, photos, opinions, and much more...
Re: New Members
Post by vashondude on Jun 19, 2006, 1:54pm

I've never mentioned anything about myself, so I may as well do that now.

I've been a ferry fan my whole life (living on Vashon Island all thirty freakin' seven years of my life probably helped a bit). Outside of WSF boats, I've been on one than runs on the Columbia River, the Lummi Island ferry, the Steilacoom-Anderson Island ferry, one route near Ottawa, and on some BC ferries (last time was in 1988).

Outside of ferries, my interests include transit, photography, traffic lights (I have a small collection of some).

If you're wondering what "LB" (which I use at the end of my messages) stands for, it's stands for "Little Bill" (a nickname I got from my grandmother). I use it as my preferred name since my dad has the same first name (William) as I do. It also stands for "Lover Boy" (got that from my sister, but I won't mention how that came about ;) ).

-- LB
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jun 19, 2006, 2:07pm

Again, welcome Little Bill (I was wondering about that "LB" thing ??? ). A year and a half later, you're a member of the forum-wide-famous Mod Squad, as endorsed by Dan.

At thirty-seven, most people begin to realise that "I am not devoting my life to this ferry crap, I may as well take part in other interests. As opposed to a 13 year old who puts himself towards Transport and goes ferry-riding for no apparent reason at a random moment.

Cheers,
-Michael

PS: I enjoy your fotopic site Mr. San Mateo
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Jun 19, 2006, 2:53pm

QoBT, that was not my idea, it was introduced by our famous designer Strong Skier or was it Mr. Sarcastic?
Re: New Members
Post by Erik on Jun 19, 2006, 5:26pm

Hello Group,

Just joined. I have a question. Why when the Queen of Alberni was "lifted" didi they blnak out so many windows on her passenge deck (or was this done before) It just seems that no matter what route you travel in BC the scenery is second to none and it would be nice to see it, especially on those "rainy days"

Erik
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jun 19, 2006, 6:20pm

The QoA was lifted for usage on Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay as an extra vessel or truck ferry. Originally, Tsawwassen-Duke Point was run as a truck route, but then quickly converted to the Mid-Island Express in 1990 and assisted by the Queen of New Westminster. The Queen of Esquimalt usually sits in if there's a vessel absent.

Sounds like you're a frequent flyer on Tsawwassen-Duke Point. If you want to see scenery, head on over to Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay, Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay, or even the Gulf Islands.

Thanks for your imput Erik!
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Jun 19, 2006, 7:08pm


Quote:
The QoA was lifted for usage on Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay as an extra vessel or truck ferry. Originally, Tsawwassen-Duke Point was run as a truck route, but then quickly converted to the Mid-Island Express in 1990 and assisted by the Queen of New Westminster. The Queen of Esquimalt usually sits in if there's a vessel absent.


.....

Erik, the Queen of Alberni doesn't have that many windows anymore, due to a few little modifications.
Firstly, she had a floorplan which was very similar to the Cowichan and Coquitlam. The corners had a covered outer deck, but it wasn't long until those were covered up, and changed into more interior space.
[image]

Then, on one side, the chief stewards office, and washrooms were placed along side one of the walls that had windows. Plus, they also realized that the windows would cause problems in case of a fire, as the original fire windows (the windows with the two bars going down the middle) were eventually covered up. You have to imagine the vessel being on fire, while looking at the lifeboat system. The alberni is the only C-Class left that still relies on the old davit system, with launching inflatable rafts.

http://photosbychris2006.fotopic.net/p28882316.html

We can only hope, that they will replace some of those large gaps on the passenger deck, with the new type of fire windows they're using on the C-Class now, during it's Mid Life Upgrade, scheduled this winter.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jun 27, 2006, 5:38pm

re guest user "Ship Watcher".

For those who might be wondering, this "new" regular-guest is the old regular-guest "JCA Christian".

just in case you're keeping track on who are the recurring-characters are on this board......
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Jul 1, 2006, 11:14pm

Thanks, Mr. Horn, for clarifying; always good to know who the established introverts are. :)
Re: New Members
Post by kev on Jul 17, 2006, 12:44pm

hey, my name is kev, i registered on this site awhile ago but didnt really come back right away, i have been busy with another forum, www.tubbersinc.com. the nanaimo bathtub race is closely upon us and its my first year racing. il post some pics of my racing bathtub in the non ferry topic chat ;)
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jul 17, 2006, 1:03pm

Great to have you on board! I love the sound of bathtub racing. Sounds like lots of fun!
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jul 17, 2006, 1:04pm

In which case, Welcome Aboard Kev! Hope you enjoy our forum!

BTW, Good luck in the Bathtub Race!
Re: New Members
Post by kev on Jul 17, 2006, 1:49pm

thanks, im hoping to do well in the race, i went to sylva bay on gabriola island on saturday in my racing bathtub, that was fun, water was really calm, except the wake of the Queen of Newwestminister coming past duke point :D i just hope the weather stays nice for the race and the wind keeps down.
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Jul 19, 2006, 10:20am

Bathtub Racing Is something I would want to do.
Good to have you Aboard
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Jul 19, 2006, 10:51pm

I actually found a bathtub racer at a second hand marine shop in North Vancouver the other day. They only wanted $250 for it! Hmm, so tempting.....Just like that Dogwood Flag that was for sale in that same store about a year ago for $100. Jeez I wish I had grabbed that....

Anyways, are there any more members who would like to give themselves a bit of an introduction?
Re: New Members
Post by ferryfreakshane on Jul 22, 2006, 9:19am

That would be a great idea!
We used to have some really good posts from those old members and then they just disapeared...
Re: New Members
Post by shasta on Aug 1, 2006, 7:29pm

WOOPS! I didn't know that new members should introduce themselves, but it is a great idea. I started posting now and then about 6 months ago, so I am not actually "new."

Anyway, I was born and raised in Seattle, and except for 2 years at Goose Bay/Happy Valley, Labrador, I have spent my entire life in the PNW. I currently live (since 1972) in Ketchikan, Alaska where I spent 25 years on the faculty of the University of Alaska. I also have a "vacation" condo in Seattle, Washington.

My dad worked for many years on the Puget Sound ferries when they were operated by the Black Ball Company. He would often relate to me many fond memories, and some not so fond, of some of the vessels he worked on. His favorite vessel was the SS (later MV) Chippewa. His least favorite was as he called it, "the silver slug." Can you guess which ferry he was talking about ??? He was part of the crew of MV Golden Bear which was wrecked during a storm during it's trip north from San Francisco to Puget Sound.

Anyway, with this background, I have always had a special attachment to ferry vessels. I have ridden on most of the vessels in the WSF Fleet. My favorite was always the SS San Mateo. I rode her often and have many fond memories of her. On the wall above the fireplace in my home is the original of a very special document, the last Certificate of Inspection issued for SS San Mateo in May 1969. Oh yes, I have many other favorites, MV Vashon, MV Chetzemoka, MV Olympic, MV Quinault, MV Evergreten State, to name a few.

Oh yes, I also have a favorite AMHS vessel; MV Malaspina, first Lady of the AMHS fleet. I just got off of her this morning in Bellingham after sailing on voyage 2767 South. She is looking great and is a fun ship to ride!!

Well, that is a bit of me! SS Shasta
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Aug 7, 2006, 9:39pm

[image]
photo: Jim Thorne, aka wetcoastkid, taken by my son while having breakfast on the Q of Chilliwack, July 2006

Hi,

This is Jim, aka wetcoastkid.

I joined this forum back in April not long after the loss of the Queen of the North. I was casting about looking for others who were in mourning like me.

I have been a bit of a ferry and train freak for many years - probably since my teens. I have a particular interest in the part of the world in which I grew up and now live - that is BC, its coast, and neighbouring areas.

I am also very interested in photography and have been taking pictures of ferries since about 1970. In 2001 I went digital and am now working on my third pixelated camera. BTW, back in the good old days of film it never occurred to me to take pictures of ship interiors. Film was too expensive for that.

I was born and raised in Victoria [Mt. Doug grad 1972] and continue to have family living there. I also have family and in-laws in the Vancouver area.

I live today in Kitimat on BC's North wet coast. Although Kitimat is on salt water, at the upper end of Douglas Channel, it has no ferry service other than a private passenger only service operated by Alcan between here and Kemano. For a ferry fix I have to drive two and a half hours to Prince Rupert.

Fortunately I get 'home' to Victoria a couple of times a year and am able to catch a ride on a Spirit or a V on those occasions. I also make one or two trips a year on a longer north coast route along the Inside Passage or to the Charlottes. This year, with the loss of the Q o t North, I turned mis-fortune into an opportunity, deciding to finally take the Discovery Coast route between Port Hardy and Bella Coola, even though this is a somewhat round-about way to get home.

In my postings, I often refer to my older brother. His name is David, and he lives in the Vancouver area. Besides being an accomplished marine artist, he is also something of an expert on all things marine in BC. One room of his house is given over to his collection of books, photos, artwork, etc., much of which deals with the history of BCF. He has contributed articles and art work to many publications, including Jane's Merchant Shipping and the Bannerman book The Ships of British Columbia (see page 133). His BC Ferries art work has often been used in BC Ferries official publications, and it adorns walls of several retired ship's officers. I will post small copies of his artwork on my website [http://s90.photobucket.com/albums/k268/wetcoastkidjst/]. Larger copies may be available for purchase.

When it comes to BC Ferry and marine history if I don't know the answer, I ask my brother. :)

I am also interested in the outdoors. When I get a chance I will go hiking, backpacking, canoing, etc. My most recent trip was a four-day backpack at the beginning of July into Cape Scott at the northern end of Vancouver Island.

[image]
That is me 2nd from left flanked by my wife Elizabeth & son Ben
Re: New Members
Post by hwy19man on Sept 5, 2006, 12:23pm

Hello, I am hwy19man. I have this name because I followed the construction of the Vancouver Island Highway Project and particularly enjoyed the construction of the interchanges and the Duke Point Ferry Terminal, which is the terminus of Highway 19. I am in college learning about highways, but, trying to pass calculus over the last two years has been quite the challenge. A friend of mine emailed me the link to this site and I am glad I joined.
Re: New Members
Post by poeticlives on Sept 8, 2006, 9:37pm

What about hidden e-mnail addresses cascade my man?

Mind you, if I sworn of jovially putting in my sarcastic two cents here I wouldn't hear the end of it from Jordan anyway...

Anyways, for those of you who don't know me, I'm Mike, I live in North Van, I play lots of Jazz and study it at Capilano College. And I'm pretty much fascinated with all manner of transportation, so despite my amoeba-sized knowledge of ferries, I'm able to feel fairly cozy!

Re: New Members
Post by ruddernut on Sept 13, 2006, 4:10am

Hello. I live in Coquitlam and I love ferry travel.

BCF routes ridden: Tsawassen-Swartz, Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay, Horseshoe-Bowen, Horseshoe-Langdale, Crofton-Vesuvius, Swartz-Fulford Harbour, Long Harbour-Tsawassen.

Other ferries ridden: Seattle-Bainbridge Island, Anacortes-San Juan Islands-Sidney, Port Angeles-Victoria, Seabus, Albion Ferry, Barnston Island Ferry, Elliot Bay Water Taxi.
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Sept 13, 2006, 7:21am

Welcome to the Forum
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Sept 13, 2006, 8:06am

Welcome aboard, ruddernut.
Re: New Members
Post by ruddernut on Sept 13, 2006, 4:37pm

Thanks for the welcome.
Re: New Members
Post by hornbyguy on Sept 14, 2006, 9:43pm

Well, there sure seems to be a lot of new members lately, and welcome to you all. Diversity is great.

I'm wondering if it's been prompted by a lowering of the membership fees, or something. I know when I joined, it was fifty bucks; I remember because I still have the cancelled cheque that I was told to make out to "UltraWalker, Ferries of BC Treasurer". He said to make it out to him personally... something about tax purposes....
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Sept 15, 2006, 7:29am


Quote:
I'm wondering if it's been prompted by a lowering of the membership fees, or something. I know when I joined, it was fifty bucks; I remember because I still have the cancelled cheque that I was told to make out to "UltraWalker, Ferries of BC Treasurer". He said to make it out to him personally... something about tax purposes....


According to the "Act" (and I trust that Doug has his copy), membership tariffs are to be based on the full recovery costing method. The members forum has posted the result in there accounts, available for all to see. I won't tell you were to find them, as you should be able to, if youre a real ferry enthusiast.

What the members' accounts won't show, is there "membership level fluctuation hedge program", which is disclosed in the report, but not in the accounts. The hedge program allows the membership fees to be smoothed during periods of membership-level volatility. Again, that's in the report, and anyone who is interested in ferries should have known that.

Re the method of payment, cheques work fine, but so do unused Tim Hortons coupons.

;) ;) ;)

(To the unconditioned reader: the above contains a weekly dose of satire. To those averse to satire, don't worry about it. Any resemblance to other members' writing styles is intentional, and intended to be taken in good-humour)
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Oct 24, 2006, 7:42am

Well, it wasn't quite a pointed remark from LB, but a heavy hint, so I'll finally introduce myself.

My name is Brandon, I am a deckhand/mate for Washington State Ferries (I also hold a master's license but have only been a captain for about twelve minutes), and I work on the Anacortes-Sidney route when it is in session (and work the domestic traffic routes in the San Juans on the same boat during the shutdown). I am also EvergreenFleet's roommate, which is the source of the ribbing between us that you may see occasionally.

I've been temporarily transferred off the International run for a couple of months (a temporary mate's job came open, and I had the seniority to claim it) so I will be working on the Sealth, and yes I will be acquiring pictures of the fresh interiors as soon as possible.

I am a ferryboat junk collector by nature and have been for twenty years. People now donate their collections of "stuff" to me, and I've kind of become WSF's attic--up to and including the original dispatcher's board from 1973, which was replaced by a computer in 1998. It's hanging in my office and the crew and vessel placement is pretty accurate. :)

I like to travel a bit in your fair country, chasing black rubber biscuits around the WHL whenever possible. I play golf, albeit badly. I grow rhododendrons and am looking forward to learning how to hybridize them.

Oh, yes. My username came from the fact that I have been (up until now) working as a quartermaster for about a year, and I once referred to a fellow quartermaster, who was trying half-jokingly to elevate the importance of the position, as a "coffee-drinking barnacle." His rebuttal was, "I beg your pardon! I don't drink coffee." ;)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Oct 24, 2006, 6:08pm

Thanks, Mr. Barnacle. Great to get to know you.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Oct 24, 2006, 8:53pm

It's awesome to see the variety of backgrounds we all come from, and yet we all have one thing in common on this board which is obvious. We have high-school students, accountants, Plenty of Ferry workers (including BCF, WSF, and False Creek), College/Uni Students, Ski Instructors. It's all important to the variety and diversity of our forum.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Oct 30, 2006, 7:38pm

And I've been of harassing the interior of your fair province for the last week. (Great heavens, after a week of working off someone's laptop, it's nice to be back typing on my twenty-five year old IBM ratchet keyboard.) Watched hockey in Chilliwack, Kelowna, Cranbrook (x2), and Kamloops. I tried to take the southern route between Cranbrook and Kamloops, but it would've been an extra two hours on a loooooong drive--as it was, barely made it in time for the game. Too bad; the route I chose would've covered Needles-Faquier and Kootenay Bay-Balfour...
Re: New Members
Post by vashondude on Oct 30, 2006, 8:20pm

Hi there Mr. Barnacle and welcome aboard [image]

I see you're a hockey fan. I used to go to quite a few matches (including a few in Tacoma when they had teams (Sabercats and Rockets... Sabercats folded and the Rockets relocated to Kelowna)).
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Oct 30, 2006, 8:24pm

LB--

I can now say I have been in 17 of 22 buildings in the WHL. I'm still missing Prince George, Spokane, Tri-Cities, Everett, and Portland's Memorial Coliseum. (Yet I've covered all of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the lone WHL city in Manitoba... go figure!). It's kind of become a mission for my friend and myself to visit all the buildings in the WHL.

It pains me greatly to admit, as a long-time Thunderbirds season ticket holder, that Kamloops has one of the top three all-around. Bonus points for hot mini-doughnuts. ;)
Re: New Members
Post by sgrant on Nov 1, 2006, 10:48pm

Since the etiquette on this forum is to introduce oneself...

I am just a citizen and user of BC Ferries. I've never been a BC Ferry employee, and don't know anyone associated with it.

I've been using BC Ferries since 1973 and have been on probably all the routes with the exception of the Mid-Coast. In addition to BCF, I've also used ferries in other areas, such as BC's interior, the Alaska Marine system, NWT (Peel R. and MacKenzie R), Bahamas, Newcastle -> Stavanger, and other ferries in Europe. As a child, I crossed the Atlantic on an ocean liner.

Besides some miscellaneous curiosities about BCF operations, my main areas of concern are:
- safety, obviously
- how bicycles and cyclists are handled
- demand management / waiting times
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 1, 2006, 10:53pm

Welcome:

Let me throw out a welcoming obscure-reference-comment (it's a US Civil War reference...).

.......With a username like "S.Grant", your favourite Irish ferry is likely the Ulysses.

All my strangeness aside, welcome. I look forward to reading your contributions.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 5, 2006, 11:06am

Mr. Cascade:

....I just have 2 more sessions with my specialists, and then I should be cleared for a return to internet-society. In the meantime, I've been given a temporary day-pass.

The tablets are expensive, but have few noticeable side-effects (other than the grammar-obsession).
;)

ps, re:
Quote:
Ah...Mr. Horn, Sir, I see your back....


.....good thing that I just got my back waxed yesterday...


Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 5, 2006, 10:09pm


Quote:

Quote:
Ah...Mr. Horn, Sir, I see your back....


.....good thing that I just got my back waxed yesterday...




How'd that go for you? I was thinking about having it done but I realized it's November and really, I count on the excess foliage for warmth. Perhaps next April...
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 6, 2006, 7:31am

If you find a good weaver, you can get some fabric made....which you can use to knit a toque.

===============
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 6, 2006, 9:16am

I just consider it my spare patch in case I lose the hair on my head.
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Nov 6, 2006, 6:13pm


Quote:
If you find a good weaver, you can get some fabric made....which you can use to knit a toque.

===============


Barnacle, being a citizen of the USA, may not be familiar with that word 'toque'.

Perhaps, Mr. Horn, you will have to explain.
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Nov 6, 2006, 6:17pm

Or Mr. Skier can help you in that department, if you want to see what a visor "toque" looks like, come over to "Queen of Chilliwak" Photos where Graham's "candid" section shows you. ;) http://ferriesbc.proboards20.com/index.c....read=1161491415
page #1 towards the bottom.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Nov 6, 2006, 8:39pm

Indeed I can. I wear a lot of toques, including the peruvian one that I wear in my avatar
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 7, 2006, 7:14am

Ahem.

I know you aren't all lumberjacks or fur traders. I know you don't live in an igloo or eat blubber or own a dog sled. I don't expect you to know Jimmy, Sally or Suzie from Canada, regardless of how nice they may be. I understand that you have a Prime Minister, not a President; that you speak English, not American; and it's still 'about,' not 'a boot.' You guys can still proudly sew your country's flag on your backpack; you get to believe in peace keeping, not policing; diversity without assimilation; and, yes, the beaver is a truly proud and noble animal. I know that a toque is a hat, a chesterfield is a sofa, and I know the difference between a 'zee' and a 'zed.' You're the second-largest landmass, the first nation of hockey, and consider yourselves the best part of North America. (Hard to argue.)

But at least I acknowledge that Molson is good beer on your side of the line. ;) (My name isn't Joe, and I'm not Canadian. But I periodically wish I were.)
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 7, 2006, 7:18am

Oh yes. My coffee, whenever possible, comes from Tim Horton's. ;D
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 7, 2006, 11:54am

Well done, Mr. Quartermaster.

ps: What's your interest in the WHL?
- a particular team?
- a passion for multi-city road trips?
- recapturing memories of youth?
- joy of travel?

Who's your favourite WHL player that you've seen play, or who's the best player that you've had the privilege to see?

Pat Faloon in Spokane?
Peter Nedved in Seattle?
Joe Sakic in Swift Current?
Darcy Tucker in Kamloops?
Stan Smyl in New Westminster?

- did you attend the 1991? Memorial Cup tournament in Seattle, where Kamloops won the final in overtime?

so many questions for a popular guy...
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 7, 2006, 5:44pm

(Doesn't anyone remember that Molson campaign? :-/)

WHL: season ticket holder for Seattle Thunderbirds, 1995-2003, until my relocation to Anacortes. Never skated, but I'd like to learn how. There is a certain amount of pretending I'm still in college while on the road, but the main mission anymore is to visit all 22 buildings in the league. (Portland has two, and I'll have to go back to Moose Jaw when they replace the Crushed Can.)

I didn't get into the WHL until the 1994-5 season, so I missed all of those outstanding players. I did, however, get to watch Jarome Iginla (Kamloops) play against Patrick Marleau (Seattle) for a year. I also have watched Jordin Tootoo (Brandon), and I had the privilege of watching him in Brandon in 1999. I think. Might've been 2002, but I doubt it. My favorites that didn't or haven't made the show would include Tony Mohagen (assistant coach in North Battleford these days), Bret DeCecco, Cody Rudkowsky, Tyler Metcalfe, Aaron Gagnon, Darren McLachlan and Zack Fitzgerald, all of Seattle. I was known as the "Kiss of Death" among the season ticketholders in my section because any time I got a program with a player's autograph (signifying I won a prize), said player would be traded within two weeks. (For example, I got Brian Ballman's 'graph on the Sub Shop ad, then won his road jersey two days later--he was traded by the following weekend. I promptly attended the next game with "FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS" taped over his name on the jersey.)

I did not attend the Memorial Cup in 1991, as I wasn't paying much attention to hockey at the time. I do not have any intentions to attend in Vancouver this season, as it's rather difficult for me to get vacation time anytime other than winter. I'd like to go some year, though, when it gets out this way again.

And not that you asked, favorite buildings:

Regina Agridome (hot mini-doughnuts!)
Riverside Centre, Kamloops (seats 6,400)
Keystone Centre, Brandon (seats 5,102)
Moose Jaw Civic Centre, aka "The Crushed Can" (seats 3,146? Come on, guys... I'm not buying that.)

Also, I tend to put out a nightly report of the trip... in recent years it's been less about the hockey and more about the exploring, like Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump (Fort MacLoed, AB), the Lancaster Air Museum (Nanton, AB), Cranbrook Rail Museum (Cranbrook, BC), Parliamentary Campus (Edmonton, AB; Regina, SK; Winnipeg, MB). The 'What's That?' stops often turn out to be the highlight of the trip. I enjoy your beautiful country, even the flat parts... this year's trip was covering the BC interior, and the Great Canadian Road Trip VIII has since been labeled Coqui-Holiday.

I'm a geek with broader spectrum, y'see... ;D
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 7, 2006, 8:13pm

Barnacle: I actually did "get" your perfect recitation of the Molson "Joe Canadian" campaign.....and that's what my "Well Done, Mr. Quartermaster" comment was specifically intended for....but I should have been more specific in my praise.

re the WHL: Nanaimo had a team for 1 year, in 1982-83, which was called "Nanaimo Islanders", with a logo ripped-off of the NY-Islanders. The team was the Billings-Bighorns the previous year, and then moved to become the NewWestminster Bruins the following year (the 2nd incarnation of the Bruins, that later became the Tri-City Americans). I never saw any Nanaimo Islander games....I was in Grade-9, but didn't really care.

What was the fan-support like in Cranbrook for the Kootenay Ice? Was there a good crowd? Cranbrook seems to be a "typical" WHL small-city, ie. isolated smaller town....similar to MooseJaw or Swift Current or Prince Albert.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 8, 2006, 9:14am

Well, I confess, I have the t-shirt with the Joe Canadian soliloquy on it. (I picked it up in Medicine Hat.) The first time I heard it I just about (aboot?) fell off the bed in the hotel laughing. I periodically wear it when I'm brassed off at my country's leadership. (Speaking of... winds changed last night, eh? ;D )

Cranbrook usually turns out about a 70% capacity crowd--which I think works out to about 3500--for the games. The empty seats are usually in the non-alcohol section. Speedy Creek, Moose Jaw, and PA turn out similar quantities. In fact, slightly higher in MJ. I'm already looking forward to next year's trip... maybe I'll be able to wear my Seattle jersey to a game without feeling national shame for a change. (I haven't worn it on the road since 2002.)

I hope.
Re: New Members
Post by vashondude on Nov 8, 2006, 11:59am

On the subject of hockey in Naniamo, when I was up in Naniamo in 1988 (which was the last time I rode a BC ferry), my family and I ate at a restaurant that had hockey stuff and waiters dressed in referee uniforms. Anyone know the name of the place and if it's still around?
Re: New Members
Post by extreamme on Nov 8, 2006, 3:12pm

Probably Boston Pizza
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Nov 8, 2006, 5:51pm


Quote:
On the subject of hockey in Naniamo, when I was up in Naniamo in 1988 (which was the last time I rode a BC ferry), my family and I ate at a restaurant that had hockey stuff and waiters dressed in referee uniforms. Anyone know the name of the place and if it's still around?


Can you remember anything from around the location of the Restaurant, that sorta sticks out in your mind, such as Malls, Signs, Buildings, Stores, Cars, Lakes, Roads......?
Re: New Members
Post by scott on Nov 8, 2006, 6:19pm


Quote:
On the subject of hockey in Naniamo, when I was up in Naniamo in 1988 (which was the last time I rode a BC ferry), my family and I ate at a restaurant that had hockey stuff and waiters dressed in referee uniforms. Anyone know the name of the place and if it's still around?


Ah, the old NHL resturant, on Stewart... The building is still there, but it is now turned into a boating store...
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 8, 2006, 7:25pm


Quote:
On the subject of hockey in Naniamo, when I was up in Naniamo in 1988 (which was the last time I rode a BC ferry), my family and I ate at a restaurant that had hockey stuff and waiters dressed in referee uniforms. Anyone know the name of the place and if it's still around?


- It's now closed, but the building is still there.

It was called Nanaimo Harbour Lights restaurant (NHL, get it?). Owned & operated by Lloyd Gilmour, former NHL referree, and a Nanaimo resident.


For more on Lloyd Gilmour, here's a link to one of his most famous on-ice moments: http://www.bchhf.com/Inductees/gilmour.htm


- Jazz singer/pianist Diana Krall started her performing career in that restaurant, as a dining-room piano player, when she was in high school. Here's a supporting article: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/search/p....=63572&usrsess=
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 18, 2006, 5:35pm

A welcome to our new member "qoa".

Caps-key lessons are available, at a reduced-rate for new members ;)

Welcome Aboard
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Nov 19, 2006, 10:18am

cascade, I am not liking that "mr. negative" comment, might whom you be reffering to? It begins to worry me and hurts others to keep it inside. If you want to insult someone, call em out and get it overwith. Better to let it come out than hold it in and get slapped twice.
Re: New Members
Post by arwenevenstar on Nov 19, 2006, 11:23pm

Hey everybody I'm Fiona,

I'm a student at Capilano College currently in the Early Childhood Care and Education program. I found out about this site from Jordan (aka Coastal Skier), who also happens to be my boyfriend, lol. I love Lord of the Rings (that says so in my name), can speak German, and I ride horses. I also love to travel on ferries and feel the wind on the my face! The church that Jordan and I go to is Saint Cathrine's in North Van.

cheers,
Fiona
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Nov 20, 2006, 9:08am

Hello, good morning, and welcome to the board! :)
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Nov 20, 2006, 1:53pm

A very vague answer from a percevied to be intelectual. Your definition of "forum" is much different from mine.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 20, 2006, 5:25pm

Back to Arwen:

Here's hoping that Jordan doesn't change his username to "Coastal Aragorn".
Re: New Members
Post by arwenevenstar on Nov 20, 2006, 7:16pm


Quote:
Back to Arwen:

Here's hoping that Jordan doesn't change his username to "Coastal Aragorn".


haha that would be very funny, he should do that! :-)
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Nov 20, 2006, 7:49pm

My username will always be skiing related! Skiing is my biggest passion!
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Nov 21, 2006, 2:42pm

We noticed.

---------------------------------------------------------------

I think Jordan looks enough like Frodo as is... j/k Jordan

maybe a round trip on the Rivendale Queen would do us some good :P (I think the Queen of Vancouver would look worse then that)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Dec 3, 2006, 1:35pm

To our new member "mvqoscc".

What does the 'cc' in your nickname stand for??

Motor Vessel Queen of Surrey Charlie Chaplin?

Most Venerable Quasi Oragami Sunshine Coast Queen?


new members usually find this page after 6 months or so.....so we will have lots of time to come up with different variations of MVQOSCC.....except lower case as e.e.cummings would prefer and as is now all the rage.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Dec 3, 2006, 7:26pm

Motor Vessel Queen of South Central Calgary.
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 3, 2006, 7:45pm

Hi Everyone!

My name is Kathy and I live on the Sunshine Coast. I've been doing the commuting thing on Route 3, both full and now part-time, since 1993 so I've become well aquainted with ferry travel. I have a special place in my heart for the Surrey and I never tire of seeing her round the point into the Bay for my trip home. Oh - the CC stands for C-Class. :)

Apart from the commute, I love all our ferries. With a brother in Powell River and a sister in Victoria, I get to take lots of fun trips!

I'm really enjoying your forum - there's so much going on here!

Thanks for letting me post and be a part of the group!
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Dec 3, 2006, 8:20pm

Welcome aboard, Kathy !
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Dec 3, 2006, 10:14pm

Welcome. Make yourself at home...Even though your actually in your home on the Computer.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Dec 4, 2006, 8:44am

It's good to have you aboard, Kathy! One of my profs at Cap College commutes to North Vancouver from Roberts Creek. Would you happen to know Brett McGillivray?
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 4, 2006, 11:09pm

Hi! :)

The name doesn't sound familiar but it looks familiar. I wonder if he's ever written letters to our local paper - perhaps about our ferry service. I confess I always read ferry articles and letters and you have to identify yourself for publication.

Thanks for the welcome!

Re: New Members
Post by airchime on Dec 5, 2006, 2:31am

Hello Kathy!

I remember you from the yahoo site!! ;)

Welcome, welcome.

Be sure to check out all the beautiful photos in the Photos section. I think there might be one or two shots of the Queen of Surrey in there! ;D

Alan
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 5, 2006, 8:17am

re: Surrey pics.

http://www.photosbychris2006.fotopic.net/c844227.html
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 5, 2006, 1:24pm

Hi Alan!! [Insert waving here]

I thought, who else would say, "How can you have a poll without the MV Queen of Tsawwassen. E-gad Man!"

Hey, any luck with the search for a photo of the Surrey in her baby-blues?

Thank you for the welcome! :)

Kathy
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 5, 2006, 1:41pm

Forgive my ignorance...

So, Ferry-Chaser-Man is Chris? And those are your pics?

Oh, the man himself! Thanks so much for your photos. I used to sign on and look at them throughout her long MLU. I used to watch her progress from the Lion's Gate Bridge on my ride into town, but I couldn't get that close to her. Your pics were really nice to see!
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Dec 5, 2006, 2:24pm

Here we have Yesterday's Queen of Surrey:
[image]

Here we have our ferry under tow:
[image]

Here we have the Queen of Surrey in her normal life:
[image]

I like the Queen of Surrey because it was me first ferry-forum trip (one of many I hope) ;D

Welcome aboard.
Cheers,
-Michael
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 5, 2006, 4:05pm


Quote:
Forgive my ignorance...

So, Ferry-Chaser-Man is Chris? And those are your pics?

Oh, the man himself! Thanks so much for your photos. I used to sign on and look at them throughout her long MLU. I used to watch her progress from the Lion's Gate Bridge on my ride into town, but I couldn't get that close to her. Your pics were really nice to see!


Hello, and yes, I am the one and only Chris on this forum (that I'm aware of), and those are my pics. I it's neat to hear about people who have kept on coming back to my website, hungry for updates. So thank you for visiting my photos site.
Re: New Members
Post by dougubell on Dec 5, 2006, 9:03pm


Quote:
Here we have Yesterday's Queen of Surrey:
[image]

Here we have our ferry under tow:
[image]

Here we have the Queen of Surrey in her normal life:
[image]

I like the Queen of Surrey because it was me first ferry-forum trip (one of many I hope) ;D

Welcome aboard.
Cheers,
-Michael


Who's Colin Smith? Isn't that John H.'s picture?
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Dec 5, 2006, 10:19pm


Quote:
Here we have Yesterday's Queen of Surrey:
[image]


This photo would be from when the original Q of Surrey had become the Q of the North. There is just one life boat per side, and the BC logos are there too. So the photo must be from around about 1983. Another visual clue is the Bella Bella foot passenger ramp.
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on Dec 5, 2006, 11:32pm

Well, it seems others like the Surrey as well!! :)

Hey, any luck with the search for a photo of the Surrey in her baby-blues?

Why yes! WetCoastKid was nice enough to post this oldie from his vast collection:

[image]

Oh yeah, just so you know, Chris likes the sound of the whistle's about as much as I do!! ;D

Great to hear from you again Kathy.

Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 6, 2006, 11:13am

The Queens of Surrey and Oak Bay, are my favourite C-Class, and on my top five list out of the fleet. Oaky and Surrey are nearly identical, but their horns are tuned, just slightly different.

Queen of Surrey Notes, C, E, G
http://ferrymaniac.sitesled.com/qsurr.wav

Queen of Oak Bay Notes, D minor, E, A minor
http://ferrymaniac.sitesled.com/qoaky.wav
Re: New Members
Post by dane on Dec 6, 2006, 2:28pm

I like the ladder up to the bridge windows on the C Class. I wonder how long it took them to realize that was a stupid idea?
Re: New Members
Post by scott on Dec 6, 2006, 8:36pm


Quote:
The Queens of Surrey and Oak Bay, are my favourite C-Class, and on my top five list out of the fleet. Oaky and Surrey are nearly identical, but their horns are tuned, just slightly different.

Queen of Surrey Notes, C, E, G
http://ferrymaniac.sitesled.com/qsurr.wav

Queen of Oak Bay Notes, D minor, E, A minor
http://ferrymaniac.sitesled.com/qoaky.wav


All 5 C-Class have horns that are tuned to produce a C Minor chord (C, E flat and G). However, when the air pressure fluctuates it causes the horn to either become flat (when it drops), or sharp (when it increases) on anyone of the 3 notes.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Dec 7, 2006, 7:27am

Which vessel were you guys on during the fog this autumn again? Thatwhistle started out as a C-minor in the recording but the e-flat gradually jacked itself up to an E-natural, making the whistle a C-major...
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Dec 7, 2006, 7:43am

I think that was the Queen of Vancouver.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 7, 2006, 7:58am


Quote:
Which vessel were you guys on during the fog this autumn again? Thatwhistle started out as a C-minor in the recording but the e-flat gradually jacked itself up to an E-natural, making the whistle a C-major...


That was the Queen of Surrey that we were on, returning from the Queen of Chilliwack trip. Either you're asking about that trip, or the trip some of the other guys did on the Queen of Vancouver.
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 8, 2006, 3:25pm

Gasp! :o What a shot!

Thanks to WetCoastalKid for posting that oldie of the Queen of Surrey! I've been on the hunt for years. I had a feeling it was going to have to be a personal photo, since all the postcards turned out to be the Oak Bay! Thanks so much for sharing! ;D

Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 8, 2006, 3:46pm

Hey Chris,
Love the horns!

Why are they not sounding them off anymore? I rarely hear a peep out of the Surrey anymore. Sometimes the Capilano or the Oak Bay will let loose but it seems rare. Maybe it's because of the residents at Horseshoe Bay and Langdale, but I thought they were supposed to blow the horns.

What's it like at the other terminals?
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 8, 2006, 11:44pm


Quote:
Hey Chris,
Love the horns!

Why are they not sounding them off anymore? I rarely hear a peep out of the Surrey anymore. Sometimes the Capilano or the Oak Bay will let loose but it seems rare. Maybe it's because of the residents at Horseshoe Bay and Langdale, but I thought they were supposed to blow the horns.

What's it like at the other terminals?


Well, you'd think that they would be supposed to blast the horn just seconds before the ship started leaving the dock, so it gives the pleasure boats some warning to get out of the way. But on my last few bridge visits, I've always tried to squeeze that question in to the Captain. I keep on getting the same response, "At one point we were supposed to, but now it's up to the Captain to decide whether or not it's really neccessary". I guess if you have to blow the horn about 8 times a day, that would get pretty sickening. But if I was a Captain, I'd be leaning on the horn as much as possible :D.
Anyways, back to the point, I think it all has to do with the amount of traffic in the area, and every terminal has a certain amount of traffic around it. For example, when a Ferry is just about to enter Departure Bay, the horn gets blasted for about 5 seconds. This primarily occurs in the summer months, because that's the time when all of the pleasure boats are out ripping around.
With the residents near the terminals, well they should of thought of the fact that they were near the terminal as they were buying the property, and automatically assume that there would be a fair amount of noise during the day, because 9/10 people that complain, are people that moved there decades after the Ferries and the Terminal were brought to the area. But I'm not that harsh, I can understand during the early in the morning, and late at night sailings, that it would be a bit aggravating. That's just me though, everyone has a slightly different opinion.

Over to you now, Airchime.
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on Dec 9, 2006, 2:46am

Ah, well, you've pretty much covered it there Chris!

At least on Route 1 you have a couple of chances to hear the whistle through Active Pass if they don't sound it when leaving the terminal.

Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Dec 9, 2006, 10:00am


Quote:
I guess if you have to blow the horn about 8 times a day, that would get pretty sickening. But if I was a Captain, I'd be leaning on the horn as much as possible :D.

Anyways, back to the point, I think it all has to do with the amount of traffic in the area, and every terminal has a certain amount of traffic around it. For example, when a Ferry is just about to enter Departure Bay, the horn gets blasted for about 5 seconds. This primarily occurs in the summer months, because that's the time when all of the pleasure boats are out ripping around.
With the residents near the terminals, well they should of thought of the fact that they were near the terminal as they were buying the property, and automatically assume that there would be a fair amount of noise during the day, because 9/10 people that complain, are people that moved there decades after the Ferries and the Terminal were brought to the area. But I'm not that harsh, I can understand during the early in the morning, and late at night sailings, that it would be a bit aggravating. That's just me though, everyone has a slightly different opinion.


As someone "on the inside," I must confess I haven't gotten tired of sounding the whistle yet, be it departure, landing, maneuvering, whatever. ;D

I feel much the same about residents withing earshot of the ferry terminals; there are very few residents left, for example, around the Ship Harbor (Anacortes) terminal that were there in 1960 when the state moved. Or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport... ::)

If you listen closely, it's still true... you can identify which person is sounding the whistle by its style. There's only so many ways you can blow a landing whistle, but I can tell which of the half-dozen people left who sound 'em is doing it.

Does BC Ferries still use the old Black Ball landing signal? One prolonged blast followed by two shorts? WSF does...
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Dec 9, 2006, 10:11am

I wish we still had a landing whistle, but of course we don't anymore. When the horn does get sounded off, it will sound pretty much like most of my recordings sound like, one long blast.

What can be interesting, is sitting outside of Horseshoe Bay in a boat, and watching the inexperienced boaters rip around the Ferry path, as a Ferry is coming into the Bay. The Captain of the Surrey doesn't waste any time, and will sound the horn with 4 short blasts, tellin' them to "Get the heck out of my way". Also, when we have a single ended vessel about to leave the dock, they usually give one long blast of the horn, along with 3 short blasts, signalling that the vessel is backing up.
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Dec 9, 2006, 1:20pm

In Little River when the Queen of Burnaby is about 15 minutes out, she sometimes lets about 6 or 7 random blasts to notify the local fishermen, who yes, like to fish in the path of the ferry, to get the 'hell out of the way.
Re: New Members
Post by dougubell on Dec 9, 2006, 3:47pm


Quote:
I like the ladder up to the bridge windows on the C Class. I wonder how long it took them to realize that was a stupid idea?
Perhaps that walkway was to wash the windows?
Re: New Members
Post by mvqoscc on Dec 9, 2006, 5:33pm

So sounding the horns is at the discretion of the Captain. He decides according to conditions at the terminal. That's too bad >:(. That means you never really know when they're going to be blown off. I mean, unless you're on the ship and they announce it to all those on the outer decks.

There must be some Captains, who like Chris, will sound the horns at every opportunity.

But you'd think that if you were on a single-ender, it would be mandatory when you're backing up.
Re: New Members
Post by airchime on Dec 10, 2006, 6:00am

Hey Barnacle,

Does BC Ferries still use the old Black Ball landing signal? One prolonged blast followed by two shorts? WSF does...

Is it still referred to as "A Warp and Two Woofs"? Or is that just Black Ball legend now?

The last time I rode the Bainbridge Island and Bremerton runs (almost three years ago), they each just blew once when they left the terminal. It was a nice surprise as it had been a while since I heard a WSF whistle.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Dec 10, 2006, 9:30pm

I haven't heard it referred to as a 'warp and two woofs' except in the more scholarly of the historical books. It's just 'a long and two shorts' these days. And I've surprised myself by only using it about once a fortnight.
Re: New Members
Post by hornbyguy on Dec 10, 2006, 10:08pm

Years ago, did not BC Ferries often use three shorts and a long on arrival?
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Dec 10, 2006, 11:05pm


Quote:
Years ago, did not BC Ferries often use three shorts and a long on arrival?


Yes, I distinctly remember three shorts and a long at the end of each voyage.
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Dec 20, 2006, 1:02pm

Hey there. After being a guest and occasionally posting, I have finally became a member. I grew up in the lower mainland and still visit a number of times a year. I have been on all the larger ferries except for the Chilliwack.
For someone who is no longer in BC, I love the White Spot burgers on the ferries. I still remember eating in the dining room on the Sydney and Tswwassen when I was a kid. That seemed so luxurious back then - clam chowder and great fish and chips or salmon.

I have had scores of pics of ferry trips - after just consolidating them all on my laptop and before I could back them up the motherboard went. I will have to search for the orginals, scan some and then post them if they are unique to all the great pics on here already.

If I am on a ferry you can find me somewhere near the front braving the wind. On the Spirits I like the angled section that makes a bit of a corner right where the conference room windows end. The way the aerodynamics of the front go there is usually a very calm spot right there. On the Inside Passage I think I was outside the whole way except during meals times and to get coffee.

I look forward to trying the Northern Adventure soon on the Inside Passage. I also look forward to the new Super C's as well. My favourite route next to the Northern ones is through Active Pass.

I will post when I am coming to BC next and may run into some of you from the board.

Kevin
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Dec 20, 2006, 1:50pm

Welcome Kevin,

You are always welcome to come on some of our little forum ferry trips. Our next one is coming up on the 28th this month on the Quadra Island-Cortes Island run.

Cheers,
--Michael
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Dec 20, 2006, 4:57pm

Welcome Aboard, Kevin.
Enjoy Discussing BC Ferries
Re: New Members
Post by dunbar on Jan 1, 2007, 6:54pm

i am member of this group my name is robert i have been intersted in ferries all my life and rode on them too. i photograh ships and ferries too wich i have done for 16 years now and have collection of bc ferries that i have taken over the years. you can see my photos on this site at www.worldshipsocietyvan.ca wich i am member of the vancouver branch. i try i make one or two ferry trips during the year and wil plan do that this year with the kupper in service in the spring.

robert
vancouver bc
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jan 3, 2007, 6:18pm

Welcome Aboard Robert!

Enjoy your discussion here.
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jan 7, 2007, 8:44pm

I am a new member as well. As you can tell by the name (minus the 3 numbers at the end), I am involved in the scouting movement. I can't remember the first time when I went on a BC Ferry. I've been lurking for some time so I thought that I should join up. There are a couple scouting related camps that i have to take a ferry. (For one camp, I have to take 2 ferries to get to it). I am truly 18 by the way. (I will be turning 19 in under 2 months).

Rover239
PS, I play COD2 multiplayer (soon, BF2! YAY!!! LOL) Feel free to come play with me. (Sorry, I don't play on fragger servers only sniper servers). My name for COD2 is Major Pain
PPS, please PM me if you want to talk with me on MSN.
PPPS, I will (hopefully) post the pics of my family's ski trip up to Mount Washington from Dec. 27-30 on MSN soon. (The snow was great, but the weather on Friday the 29th was miserable. (Really windy, snowy and COLD!) But I skied in it anyway. (I'm crazy to ski in that weather. lol)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 7, 2007, 8:50pm

Welcome Rover:

If you go to a camping event called "Skeeter" near Gibsons, then you might know a member on this forum who used to do that too.

We also have some skiers on this forum too.

Have fun here!

Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jan 7, 2007, 8:53pm

I have been to Skeeter for 3 years. And oh, Skeeter is located just outside of Nanaimo just to let you know. (You may have been thinking about Mardi Gras which IS in fact, located about 10 minutes outside of Gibsons).
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 7, 2007, 8:59pm

Right, Skeeter is at Camp Caillet, by Brannen Lake. I always mess that one up.

ooops. ;D

So, what's your ferry interest?

What do you like riding, and what has piqued your interest here?
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jan 8, 2007, 10:08am

Mardi Gras is organized by my old group, the 15th Maquinna Rovers or the 15th Capilano.

I'm no longer involved in the scouting movement because I'm too busy with a full-time job as a Ski Instructor on Grouse.
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jan 11, 2007, 11:05pm

Sorry I haven't responded in a while. I have not been feeling 100% lately. I spent most of this week resting (and working!!!!! lol) in order to feel better. (I got sick the day after I got back home from my family's annual (albeit last season due to a lack of snow at the start) Christmas ski trip up at Mount Washington).
Since I don't really have a favourite ferry, I will pick one out of the blue. The one that I am picking out of the blue will be the Spirit of Vancouver Island and BC. (Due to the Pacific Buffet on both vessels).
Gee, what has piqued my interest (sorry about the exaggeration at the very beginning) is the very interesting conversations and (sometimes) arguments.
Re: New Members
Post by bcinnj on Jan 12, 2007, 7:58am

Well, I've been reading the forum for awhile now, so it made sense to join in on the conversation. My name is Jon, and while I have defected to the US :o I grew up between the Fraser Valley (mom) and Texada (dad), so ferries were an integral part of my life for many years, and still are when I am home. Since I am all the way over here, I am hoping to follow the history of the many east coast ferries to add a another flavour to the discussions on the board.

That said, greetings to all.

Jon
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Jan 12, 2007, 8:04am

Welcome Aboard, Jon Enjoy This Forum and Return Often.
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jan 13, 2007, 9:28pm

Come to think of it, there is a scouting camp that I will try to get to this year because I work now since November of last year. (Darn work! LOL) The scouting camp is actually next month up located up at Manning Park. I will most likely have to take the Queen of Saanich (with many thanks to BC Ferries (NOT! LOL) for taking the Spirit of Vancouver Island out of service for annual refit) to get to Manning Park. Before I forget, the name of this annual winter camp is called Rovent.
So don't be surprised to see me gone when the time comes. (I'll announce the dates when the event gets closer).
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Feb 4, 2007, 11:00pm

Thanks for joining up, and introducing yourself.

It's always good to know how far-reaching this forum can be, to various interests in this topic.
Re: New Members
Post by royalroadscaptain on Feb 10, 2007, 7:18pm

Hi everyone,
I just signed up and I thought I'd introduce myself.

I am a prof. of communication and culture at Royal Roads University in Victoria. I've been interested in the ferries and marine transportation in general ever since I moved here from Eastern Washington. Lately I've begun to study the ferries as part of my job by talking with people all over coastal BC. I have spent a good deal of time doing so on Protection Island, Gabriola Island, and Salt Spring Island. Soon I'll be hading up to Prince Rupert and to the Queen Charlottes. Within the next few years I want to travel on every route, and talk ferries with as many people as possible on every coastal community.

I like to learn about technology and culture by listening to people's stories, having part in conversations, looking at photographs, etc. I've written a few articles that have appeared, or are about to, in academic journals (and I'm currently writing a book). They have dealt with issues like the relationship between ferry transportation and collective sense of time ("island time"), technology and everyday life, sense of space and place, and more.

I look forward to taking part in this forum.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Feb 10, 2007, 7:44pm

A huge welcome to you here on the forum, Professor.

I look forward to your thoughts and insight into ferry & island culture.

Thanks for joining up, and for introducing yourself.

As for "Island Time & Culture", the following thread links to a Pender Islander's blog, that you might find interesting.....
http://ferriesbc.proboards20.com/index.c....read=1165289903
Re: New Members
Post by admin on Feb 10, 2007, 11:04pm

Welcome, professor. I look forward to hearing from you and reading your articles (please let us know "when and where" to find them). I like considering ferries, not just from a transportation, technological, or economic point of view, but from the perspective of how they affect communities socially and shape people's day-to-day lives.

We're a diverse bunch on this forum, so you'll find everything from chit-chat to full-blown intelligent debate.

BTW - Royal Roads University is one of my favorite places to visit in Victoria. Hatley Castle and the gardens overlooking the sea there is just beautiful almost any time of year.
Re: New Members
Post by royalroadscaptain on Feb 11, 2007, 7:06pm

Thank you Flugel Horn, thank you John. This is a very friendly hangout :) And thank you so much for the reference. That site is now in my favorite list!

I'd love to share with you what I've written. Hey, as a matter of fact soon enough I might be looking for ideas and stories! In the meantime, if you'd like to read what I've got feel free to send me an email at phillip.vannini@royalroads.ca and I'll send you the two pieces.

I'm sure the copyright demigods won't mind if I copy and paste a a teaser for you kind folks here. This is an excerpt from the Protection Island paper:

....We’re taking pictures today. It’s hard to pass for a local, as much as we would like to. To top it off, we’re standing right by the mailboxes with no seeming intention of looking for mail. “Hello”—greets us an older man carrying a handful of bills and junk mail, smiling as he subtly limps towards us. “Good morning”—we reply, almost in unison. “Hi there little one, what’s your name?”—he asks Autumn, slowly bending down on his knees, slightly above her eye level. “Ha”—she knowingly replies, as just as knowingly I glance at April, wordlessly communicating a sense of achievement. As company to an “open person” (Goffman, 1963) we have become well aware of how our baby is turning out to be an ethnographer’s dream: no potential informant will walk by without acknowledging her bubbly presence. In the city we mostly get hurried smiles. Here, people stop.

“Say: my name is Autumn”—I suggest to her, without much success; she seems by far more keen on collecting maple leafs in the middle of the road than chewing fat with strangers. April and I aren’t, though. “Good day for a walk, eh?”—April says to the man. “Lovely day indeed. Nothing like walking on the island on a morning like this.” “Do you do a lot of walking these days?”—I inquire, eager to initiate yet another conversation. “That’s why I moved here fifteen years ago!—rebuts the man, adding: “I used to live on Gabriola Island. You can actually kind of see my old house from here if you step a bit this way.” “I love Gabriola!”—exclaims April. “Well, I used to love it too”—the man says—“but there are roads everywhere there. And they’ve kept building more and more over the years. The ferry lets out a good pair of dozens of car every hour, and you just can’t walk in the middle of the road like you can here.” “I bet your old property value has at least quadrupled since you’ve moved”—I suggest. “If not more than that”—the man continues—“So many people have moved to Gabriola. People come to Protection all the time hunting for a house too. You see a lot of Americans who sail up from the coast during the summer. They anchor their boat in the harbour, paddle to the pub, and fall in love with the idea of living on a small island and wanna move here. So they go to town and call a realtor. They come back with the poor guy. They get off the ferry, and right away he buys them a beer at the pub and tells them what a fairy tale land this is. Then they follow the steps up the hill for the first time, walk here to the circle, and they realize that our roads aren’t paved, that we really do get around in golf carts, bicycles, and by foot. And all of a sudden it dawns on them! They stare at the circle and go: ‘Oh, look at that, there really are no cars! I’ll be damned!’” April and I giggle in agreement, the old man smiles and continues: “And right there and then you can see the realtor going: ‘oh shit, here we go again.’ Because he knows what they’re gonna ask next” “How do you bring your stuff home?—I jump in. “You got it. That one, and: ‘what do you do with your trash?’ It’s unbelievable. It’s almost like after taking a passenger-only ferry, and after not having seen a bridge, they still expect that somewhere, somehow, there are cars, cabs, friendly chaffeurs, and delivery trucks. Like it’s some Disneyland for wanna-be, part-time tree huggers, like we planted these trees here to make it look pretty, or like we pretend to have nothing but a foot-passenger ferry while actually we have a big ferry terminal for deliveries and quick access way in the back!”




Re: New Members
Post by admin on Feb 11, 2007, 11:38pm

That's good!:) I'll send you an email! I know what you mean when you talk about having a little girl along:) My daughter is 19 months and very popular with complete strangers!

I've never been to Protection Island, but I'd like to go. I don't know if you found this out during your trip, but the ferries are old lifeboats off the Queen of the North - modified of course.
Re: New Members
Post by rhmark on Mar 18, 2007, 9:34pm

New member - found the forum on the web. Have been riding ferries to our family's cabin on Mayne Island since I was born (which, for those interested, was in 1973). Have an affinity for the Queen of Sidney - was the first ferry on which I rode, was the ferry that took me from Mayne to the Salt Spring hospital with an injury and is the ferry on which I shared some great times with my grandfather. Now its the Queen of Nanaimo, for which I am growing a similar affinity. Have ridden most if not all of the ferries plying the southern Gulf Islands/Swartz Bay, those running through Howe Sound, up the Sunshine Coast and those running between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo. Never had the opportunity to ride the PacifiCats - likely in part a protest on my part to premise for their construction. I plan on riding aboard this year's inaugural Anacortes/Sidney run on April 1st. Feel free to visit some of my pictures (in early days) from the Northern Adventure at www.mawhinney.ca and email me anytime at mark@mawhinney.ca. Best wishes, rhmark.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Mar 18, 2007, 9:41pm

Welcome Aboard, Right-Honourable Mark.

It will be good to get your Mayne Island stories and perspectives re the ferry topics. You can also expect some vacation-advice requests from me, re the Gulf Islands.

Re: New Members
Post by rhmark on Mar 19, 2007, 6:21pm

Not quite Right Honourable, but appreciate the reference! Ask away re Mayne. Heading over on Friday and look forward to the trip aboard Queen of Nanaimo. It's alwasy terrific to leave the busy city and relax watching the sunset as I cross the Georgia Strait!
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Mar 19, 2007, 7:16pm

Welcome, Mark. I think that also a few of us will be interested in your opinion about the new trial schedule for the Queen of Nanaimo on Fridays.

Cheers,
Graham
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Mar 19, 2007, 8:15pm


Quote:
It's always terrific to leave the busy city and relax watching the sunset as I cross the Georgia Strait!


I can totally relate to that and that's really the reason why I like riding ferries. Watching all the scenery go by on a warm summer evening with that warm summer wind is something that I always look forward to when traveling on a ferry.

Welcome aboard!
Re: New Members
Post by rhmark on Mar 21, 2007, 7:12pm

Tell me about the new trial schedule. I just took a look and to my dismay the QoN will, as of April 1, leave Tsawwassen at 4:10pm. If this is the case I'm not sure that I like it. It means having to be out of downtown Vancouver by 2:30pm (at the absolute latest) in order to have enough bandwidth to get to the terminal in time for one's reservation. Not realistic for us working stiffs. 6:30pm is definitely better (it may mean that I'll have to go over Thursday nights, which is okay too!)
Re: New Members
Post by zudnic on Jun 4, 2007, 6:18pm

Did another intro post elsewhere. Short version have relatives working with BC Ferries. So get some special treatment. Like going to the Bridge, not lining up for the Buffet, heck I've even had free trips, and at times if I drive on my car is first to get off....
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jun 6, 2007, 8:56pm

Welcome Aboard, Zudnic! Don't take those privileges for granted though. ;) Some of this have to stand in line for the Buffet, pay for our trips, last on the ferry, and get declined when we ask to visit the bridge. That's what it's like to be just 'another customer' ;)

Welcome Aboard.
Re: One More
Post by millbay on Jun 9, 2007, 11:52am

O.k....

Finally gonna try and get it right:

Still just a new member, at least to this club... I've been around the bcferries yahoo group for years, but mostly only a closet member... didn't know this board existed

Kinda upset since I think I missed out on some good trips that you guys went on...

Most recent ferry trip was a trip to Victoria on May 9th, with some decent pictures of the SOVI... the Queens of Saanich and Vancouver, moored at TSA and Swarts Bay, as well as some of the Gulf Islands runners.

I'll try and post some photos later, once I get to this place familiarized, and get a photo-site setup somewhere... it was an incredible bright and beautiful day.

Other than that... Just wanted to introduce myself properly... I read the post on people who weren't giving proper intros, and I already hit the wrong thread once, so I hope I got the right one now...

Other than that... favorite ferries:

Of all time: The Susy Q.
(I've even talked with someone who actually used to crew her.)

Second favorite: The Tsawwassen and Sidney twins... I feel really bad for the Sidney.

After that: I always considered the old Langdale Queen to be particularly beautiful... her final name "Lady Grace" was particularly fitting for such a distinguished ship.

Some minor favorites... I really feel akin to the Mill Bay... and the Tenaka looks so unique and classy, just like the old coastal steamships... after that I'd go for the Tachek, Quadra Queen II, NIP, the Nimpkish and its siblings, the Powell River class then all the K class...

The V-class are also on my list of ferries that I still need to see as well.

I put all the rest after, since I've ridden the C-class and Spirits more than any of the others and I want to get to do some more interesting and smaller vessels.

So there you have it, and I hope my spelling is good.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jun 9, 2007, 12:18pm

Great to have you with us, Mill Bay!

I'm a member of the Yahoo Group too, but also a closet member. I've seen a lot of Yahoo Members sign up here because of the very little posting over there, and the recent spam. I think you will find this place a great place for all kinds of ferry discussion from the politics of it all to the enjoyment of riding a ferry on a summer evening.

Oh and Beware of Flugel Horn, he also mods this place, and is the King of Sarcasm.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jun 9, 2007, 1:03pm


Quote:
Oh and Beware of Flugel Horn, he also mods this place, and is the King of Sarcasm.


[image]

[image]

[image]

[image]

[image]
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jun 9, 2007, 1:10pm

Hey, with your use of the "...." to separate your thoughts, I feel like we are Brothers, man. ;D

Good to have you on this forum.

ps: Didn't I see you at the Semicolon-Symposium in London last year?
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Jun 11, 2007, 8:40pm

Hello everyone, I've been reading this board almost every day since the QoTN sinking. I guess you could say that i have been a life-long ferry nerd. My favorites are: Sidney,Spirit and YES Dane, the V-class!

I am a self-employed landscaper/groundskeeper and i do all the mechanical work on my machines as well. I find that after a rough day reading this forum is a nice way to top off the evening. Looking forward to some engaging conversation.
CHEERS
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Jun 11, 2007, 8:49pm

Welcome to the refuge of the ferry nerds, or feaks as I like to refer to us as, mirrlees60 (gotta love those mirrlees twins). We look forward to contributions from all lurkers, especially those who join as members.

Cheers,
Graham
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Jun 12, 2007, 10:05am


Quote:
Hey, with your use of the "...." to separate your thoughts, I feel like we are Brothers, man. ;D

Good to have you on this forum.

ps: Didn't I see you at the Semicolon-Symposium in London last year?



I don't know about the Semicolons-Symposium, but I'm sure the elipsis police are after me in more than one country.

I have to separate my thoughts like that, otherwise they all look the same, or run together so much that I can't tell them apart.

At least the use of dots is a trait I share with someone.

Cheers
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Jun 12, 2007, 10:08am

I also forgot to mention that I really like the Chilliwack tooo... obviously of course because I'm from Chilliwack. There was no small buzz around here (at least from my parents) when we got a ferry named after us.

I just like her design (from the outside at least)... and also the only time I was on her (years ago) was the first time I was actually allowed to roam free on a ferry by my parents... so I pretty much explored her inside and out, as much as any kid can.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Jun 12, 2007, 10:46am

Speaking of brotherly ties, it seems that you and I also have a bit of a connection, Mill Bay; apparently I'll turn a quarter of a century old a day before you. 8-) :)
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Jun 18, 2007, 5:02pm


Quote:
Speaking of brotherly ties, it seems that you and I also have a bit of a connection, Mill Bay; apparently I'll turn a quarter of a century old a day before you. 8-) :)


Wow, that's crazy... I didn't realize that...

Perhaps we should all plan a special ferry trip around that day...

or maybe get Bcferries to send us a greeting card or something... maybe a free ferry trip. :D ;)
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Jun 19, 2007, 1:05am

Hi, I'm a mechanical engineering student and I have always been a ferry nerd, ever since I could read. My favourite ferry is either MV Mill Bay or MV Skeena Queen. The Mill Bay has always intrigued me since it has the highest speed per horsepower in the fleet (8 knots/152 horsepower). The hull design on the Skeena has always impressed me as well.
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jun 19, 2007, 1:48am

Welcome to the forum coxnick. Have discussing the many topics here.
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Jun 19, 2007, 8:15am


Quote:
Hi, I'm a mechanical engineering student and I have always been a ferry nerd, ever since I could read. My favourite ferry is either MV Mill Bay or MV Skeena Queen. The Mill Bay has always intrigued me since it has the highest speed per horsepower in the fleet (8 knots/152 horsepower). The hull design on the Skeena has always impressed me as well.


Hi and welcome.

M.V. Mill Bay is cool of course for obvious reasons. :D

A unique and distintive vessel, and the most appropriate name I could find
for my own covert identity on this board.

I'm sure as an engineering student you'll be able to contribute a lot of important knowledge to these posts... maybe if you're lucky you might even end up working on the ferries someday.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jun 19, 2007, 6:41pm

Welcome aboard!

We have a member on here that used to post regularly about the Mill Bay and wanting to keep the ship and run it with another vessel such as a pacificat and other rediculous ideas.

The Mill Bay is a fine ship and I hope to get on her some day.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Jun 19, 2007, 7:58pm

Passenger lounge below decks aboard a 'minor' vessel of the fleet? who among us would object? :)
Re: New Members
Post by extreamme on Jun 25, 2007, 9:49pm

I have been around since November. This morning I made my 100th post. Could someone please explain to me what the purpose of the Chief Steward, Chief Officer, Global Moderator etc. thing is about
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jun 25, 2007, 10:13pm


Quote:
I have been around since November. This morning I made my 100th post. Could someone please explain to me what the purpose of the Chief Steward, Chief Officer, Global Moderator etc. thing is about


We have ranks based on the amount of posts you have. You will move up another rank to Chief Officer once you hit 250 posts, Chief Engineer at 500 and Captain at 1000.

Moderators are responsible for dealing with content and with spammers, while the 2 Global Moderators carry moderator responsibilities and also make more of the major decisions on the forum. The Administrator is the founder of the forum.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jun 26, 2007, 6:01am


Quote:
I have been around since November. This morning I made my 100th post. Could someone please explain to me what the purpose of the Chief Steward, Chief Officer, Global Moderator etc. thing is about


They are different rankings, based on your # of posts. The more posts, the higher the fake position. So you keep getting promoted.

Now, the moderator and administrator positions are different, because they are not related to # of posts. They are just staff classifications for those of us who do some of the housekeeping work on this board.

------------------------

Seeing as I just now noticed that Jordan has already responded to your question, I'll let you average our 2 responses.....
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Jun 26, 2007, 7:04am

Though I always felt that Moderators should be Port Engineers, Global Mods should be Port Captains, and Administrator should be Commodore... ;D
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Jul 15, 2007, 12:50am

Thought I should chime in again here and say that for the summer at least, I am working in the engineering dept. at BCF!
Re: New Members
Post by ferrytraveller on Jul 15, 2007, 9:04pm

are you working as an engineer? or an oiler?
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Jul 15, 2007, 9:46pm

Sorry, should have elaborated.

Fleet engineering at head office.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jul 15, 2007, 9:51pm


Quote:
Sorry, should have elaborated.

Fleet engineering at head office.


Just out of curiousity, do you have any idea if this here forum is "well known" at all, at head office?

I'm not asking if my avatar photo is on the coffee room bulletin board (or on a darts board in the staff room ;D), but just wondering if this forum, or other "ferry fan" type of banter goes on at work...or with your co-workers.

Or is such ferry-nerd-banter kept quiet in the workplace?
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Jul 17, 2007, 8:08pm

most ferry-nerd banter is generally kept quiet. I have never heard of any forums or discussion groups mentioned, but I don't go talking about it either.

My boss is wondering how I can find out ship movements/rumours and other ferry-nerdish info before he does though.
Re: New Members
Post by hardy on Jul 17, 2007, 10:50pm


Quote:
My boss is wondering how I can find out ship movements/rumours and other ferry-nerdish info before he does though.


I personally would just grin and cackle evilly "Bwahahahahahahahaha" and then walk away without further explanation. ;) 8-)

But that is just me ... may not work as well for sane people as it seems to for me ....

"Never let them know when your joking - let them always live in fear!"
Re: New Members
Post by stvfishy on Aug 5, 2007, 8:52pm


Quote:

Quote:
http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/story.html?id=f64cdef7-f1c0-4758-a7a3-a7b7807ccf67&k=14290

"The first two vessels will be assigned to the Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay route, with the third going into service between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen."

So you are saying this is not written in stone???


I think that a lot of us are saying that nothing is "written in stone" re BC Ferries. Who knows where the vessels will actually be placed, and whether that placement will be temporary, a few years, or longer......

However, a lot of us on this forum-board enjoy discussing any new possibility for vessel placement. But I think that most of us realize that none of us really know what will actually happen. But it is fun for most of us to talk through the possibilities and what that might mean to us.

=-----------------------------=

Welcome Mr/Ms Stvfishy. Are you new here, or is it just that your username is new? If you'd like to introduce yourself, you'll find a thread on the "rules and recommendations" page for that. :)


--->feel like I got my hand slapped(I think)? :P
After going through the Rules/Regulations, I'll just keep plowing through the bugs. I hope I did the above quote properly.

BTW: Out of curiosity and to instigate some procedural discussion, is this forum's spell checker for English(Canada) or Ammerrrican(the States)? Reading the WSF threads, those guys down south don't know how to spell "colour." :P Is your convention to use Ammerrrican in the WSF threads and English in the BCFS threads? ;D I know, I know eh. ;) When I get software in Ammerrrican I usually go and manually change the root files in the code whenever possible. Forgive me--->How ::) is that...??? I apologize, but it does make you go :-/
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Aug 5, 2007, 9:06pm

I think you may want to talk to the monkey in the whitehouse and tell him we should all learn queens english. Probably the only thing which is weird is how the letter "z" is pronounced in queens english. We have a "z and long e" where as in queens it is a "z and short e" In fact, when I was up in Canada, some people thought I was from Eastern Canada.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Aug 5, 2007, 9:12pm

No "hand slapping" from me, Mr. Fishy. I welcome you aboard here.

re the 2 versions of English, I think the forum's spell-check program uses USA English.

Of course, I just ignore the suggested corrections to "harbor" and "color".

I mainly use the spell-checker to ensure that I haven't done a typo that I was unaware of.
Re: New Members
Post by stvfishy on Aug 5, 2007, 9:27pm

OK ;)
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Aug 5, 2007, 11:25pm

Welcome, stvfishy. Does this happen to refer to suspicions about the prospect of Single Transferrable Vote? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_Transferrable_Vote) If it is, I'd be interested in hearing you views as I don't know enough yet to form an opinion (in an appropriate thread, of course, heh).

In any case, welcome to our humble ferry forum and enjoy the banter. :)
Re: New Members
Post by stvfishy on Aug 6, 2007, 12:39pm

errrrrrr actually it's more about my first and last names.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Aug 6, 2007, 2:02pm


Quote:
errrrrrr actually it's more about my first and last names.


errrrrr, do I detect someone who's going to be stingy with explanatory-words? ;)

If you're comfortable sharing a few things about yourself, you can start with the following:
- What's your ferry-interest for this forum
- Have you lurked here or posted here as a guest
- What's your personal ferry-travel history (ie. grew up with coastal ferries, or work-trips,etc).

Please don't misinterpret my questions as agression....I just like being direct. :)
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Aug 7, 2007, 12:44pm


Quote:
I think you may want to talk to the monkey in the whitehouse and tell him we should all learn queens english. Probably the only thing which is weird is how the letter "z" is pronounced in queens english. We have a "z and long e" where as in queens it is a "z and short e" In fact, when I was up in Canada, some people thought I was from Eastern Canada.


Um, P.I., why should we learn to speak the Queen's English here in the US? We aren't subjects of the queen last time I noticed. ;)

("...I have a zed, not a zee. I don't know Jimmie or Sally or Suzie from Canada, although I'm sure they're very nice people...")
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Aug 7, 2007, 12:58pm

I was being sarcastic in that first sentence if you recall my reference to a monkey in the whitehouse ;)
Re: New Members
Post by stvfishy on Aug 8, 2007, 12:24pm

I am interested in the delivery of the new Coastal ships and thus while googling I found this forum. I'll post some photos in " Ferries of British Columbia :: Travelling on Ferries :: Ferry Photos :: New Photos" from a 2005 Gulf Island cycling trip
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Aug 10, 2007, 2:30pm


Quote:
I am interested in the delivery of the new Coastal ships and thus while googling I found this forum. I'll post some photos in " Ferries of British Columbia :: Travelling on Ferries :: Ferry Photos :: New Photos" from a 2005 Gulf Island cycling trip
Thanks for those, stvfishy.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Aug 27, 2007, 11:00pm

Welcome, cadmunkey, with 1 post so-far. Keep it up, thanks.
Re: New Members
Post by orcasnative on Aug 28, 2007, 6:37pm

Hi there, I am a new member - just joined today. I discovered this site a few months ago and and am ecstatic to learn that there are other rabid ferry fans like me! Here's a little bit about myself:

I grew up on Orcas Island, and as such, have been riding ferries my whole life. I live in Poulsbo now and do the daily commute into Seattle every day which puts me on the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry twice a day, 5 days a week - a commute I never get tired of.

I've loved the ferries ever since I can remember. I became very familiar with the WSF vessels serving the San Juans while growing up there, but I have now ridden pretty much every current vessel and traveled on every route in WSF's system, with the exception of the passenger only ferries/routes. I have also enjoyed my travels on BC Ferries over the years, including my most recent trip a couple of weeks ago on the SOVI from Swartz to Tsawwassen (that was a fun loop: Poulsbo to Victoria via Port Angeles and MV Coho, a day in Victoria, then over to the mainland on BCF's Route 1, and after a drive down I-5, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry to take me back home).

I have enjoyed reading all the posts and seeing everyone's photos. I look forward to posting some photos of my own. I have a fairly good WSF and BC Ferries photo collection that I have taken over the past several years, including some interior and exterior pics of the Pacificat Explorer during its open house in Victoria just prior to it entering service.

Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Aug 28, 2007, 8:30pm

Welcome Aboard, Orcasnative! :)
Re: New Members
Post by ferryking on Aug 29, 2007, 11:12am

Hi all,
Been 'on-board' for a couple of months and i have been enjoying the reading, lurking and posting. Seems like a great community of folks here. Don't get to ride the ferries often...i am a born and bread calgarian...my extended family (grandparents, uncles and aunts) live out on the coast so i can remember many holiday time trip out of Tsawassen and on thru to Swartz Bay. Now i only get out on the ferries a couple of times a year, if i am lucky. :'(

;D That being said i am planning a trip to Vancouver Island next year...camping, enjoying the coast, etc. so maybe I'll see some of you out there taking pictures, riding the newer ferries or the old classics.

CJ
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Aug 29, 2007, 9:43pm

Welcome to the forum ferryking. I hope you enjoy your time here.
Re: New Members
Post by nucksrule on Aug 31, 2007, 11:05am

sorry I didn't see this earlier i would've posted.

hi everyone im new to the forum, have been interested with ferries since i was little and am 13 living in North Vancouver.
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Aug 31, 2007, 1:17pm

Wlcome Aboard "nucksrule".
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Aug 31, 2007, 1:18pm

good to see some more people of the young crowd come in. welcome aboard nucksrule.

BTW just a warning, Flugel Horn is pickier than an English teacher about grammar on any forum.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Aug 31, 2007, 4:45pm


Quote:
sorry I didn't see this earlier i would've posted.

hi everyone im new to the forum, have been interested with ferries since i was little and am 13 living in North Vancouver.


Welcome to this place.

I'll give you a challenge, right away: Instead of typing "im", please either type "I'm".....or if that's too tough, settle for "Im" or "i'm". Anything other than "im". "im" represents all that's bad with today's typed English.

ps: "I am" would work too.

So, are you up to the test? :)

pps: there's a spell-check function on this forum. When you complete your post, before you hit the "Post Reply" button, it's 2 spots to the right. It really works.

ppps: Shift-keys work great on this forum, too.

:) :) :)
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Sept 1, 2007, 5:07am

welcome, orcasnative.
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Sept 1, 2007, 2:11pm


Quote:

ppps: Shift-keys work great on this forum, too.

:) :) :)


assuming of course one isnt e e cummings
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Sept 1, 2007, 5:24pm


Quote:

Quote:

ppps: Shift-keys work great on this forum, too.

:) :) :)


assuming of course one isnt e e cummings


Once again, you've jumped into a role, and played it well. Usually it's in how you alternate your spellings of harbor / harbour and color / colour, depending on whether you're posting on a WSF or BCFS page on this forum. Bravo !

Good role playing, sir. Perhaps you'll be nominated for one of our ferry-forum 'Oscars' this year?
Re: New Members
Post by barnacle on Sept 2, 2007, 8:23am

Perhaps. Is there one for acting the fool? ;)
Re: New Members
Post by hater on Sept 3, 2007, 6:33pm

Hello all,
I have been "lurking" for almost a year now, so I thought I should say hi. I grew up in the Cowichan Valley and am now living in Alberta. I have alway had way too much interest in BC Ferries, heck I remember getting "BC Ferries Exploring" when I was about 6 for a birthday gift (still have it). I now work as driving instructor for class 1 and 3 licenses, but have also long hauled on and off the Island 2 ferry trips a week, normally route 30, or would take the Coho. Thanks all,
Mark
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Sept 3, 2007, 9:01pm

Thanks for signing up, Mark Hat'er. Hopefully, you get back to the coast and get a chance to ride the ships some more.
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Sept 4, 2007, 6:49am

Welcome Mark. Maybe you know my relatives in the Cowichan Valley to Cowichan Bay areas. Glad to have so many new faces joining us.
Re: New Members
Post by qpr on Sept 4, 2007, 8:49am

Welcome Mark and Orcasnative looking forward to having two new members that can share some stories and thoughts with us here.
Re: New Members
Post by hater on Sept 4, 2007, 3:36pm

Thanks all for the welcome! I do try to make it to the Coast once a year or more if I can swing it, this year will be out in early October, just to darn early for a super-c ride! But will be something to look forward to on the next trip!
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Sept 4, 2007, 7:46pm

And with this post, I am no longer a new member.

Woohoo!!

Sorry, just had to do it.
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Sept 5, 2007, 12:33am

Welcome Aboard, Mark. When you come out to the coast in October, ride on the V's as much as possible because they probably won't be around your next trip out... :'(
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Sept 5, 2007, 1:15pm

Congrats Coxnnick and welcome.
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Sept 5, 2007, 1:24pm


Quote:
And with this post, I am no longer a new member.

Woohoo!!

Sorry, just had to do it.


Ha-ha...

That's almost cheating... but in this case we could let it slip by...

At least it shows you're committed to this community.
Re: New Members
Post by bryank on Sept 11, 2007, 2:05am

I suppose that I'm nowhere near a newbie here anymore, but I thought that I would take the milestone of my 100th post here to make an entry here in the "New Members" thread before it is too late.

Hi! I'm Bryan, a 45 y/o married male who grew up in the Seattle area but has been living around Portland for the last several years. Ever since I was very small, I have been a fan of the ferries and also public transit in general. As a teen, I would ride ferries just for the heck of it, do loop bike rides that included ferries, and keep track of which ones were where (sometimes a feat in the pre-Internet days). The best part of Boy Scout campouts was the ferry rides there.

To this day, any trip, even into Seattle on the pretext for lunch, is an excuse for a ferry trip. I joke only half-seriously that my Oregon-raised wife didn't realize for a long time that a trip from Portland to Seattle didn't really have to go through Bremerton. ;D

By day, I have 3 jobs, but not all at the same time. I'm a tax accountant, with a practice that specializes in tax returns and representing taxpayers when the government decides to audit their tax returns. (Look up "Enrolled Agent" on the Internet for a definition of what I do.) I am also a seminar speaker, doing continuing ed seminars on tax subjects for accountant types. And, just to top it off, I am part owner and semi-active in a transportation business that contracts services to the local transit district. It would take a couple of paragraphs to describe just what we do, so I can talk about that later.

So, I tend to crave any and all info on our region's ferry systems. We end up in BC 2-4 times per year, so we sometimes make excuses to ride BC Ferries when we're there, too.

Other interests? Radio, history (I have a minor in History), Northwest US/western Canada geography, hockey (GO Canucks!, and we go to a lot of our local junior team's games, GO Winterhawks!). I delve into discussions of politics much too easily (need to stop myself sometimes), and lean so far to the left that the Liberals seem pretty conservative to me.

We have an application in for permanent residence in Canada, so we hope we will be moving to BC about 12-18 months from now. Just where, of course, will likely depend on where a job happens.

Other than that, thank you for having a forum here, and being so active. I thoroughly enjoy being here.

Now, back to our regularly scheduled forum mutterings........
Re: New Members
Post by hornbyguy on Sept 11, 2007, 3:43pm

Well, Bryan, you would be very welcome up here. My only qualm is that I'm not sure the United States can afford to lose any more leftists.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Sept 11, 2007, 5:38pm

Bryan: thanks for the detailed introduction; much appreciated. Good to have you here, and we value your cross-border interest in both fleets of ferries.

Hopefully you'll end up on Vancouver Island in a year or so....there are lots of US Citizens living as Canadian residents, who need to file US tax returns.....
Re: New Members
Post by cadmunkey on Sept 26, 2007, 10:19pm

Hi

I am kind of new here and I just found this little Thread. Sorry I'm a little late. I am 18, love the Queen of Chilliwack and have been riding ferries since 1989. My first ride was on the Queen of Tswassen(sp).

Cheers,
re;new members
Post by 7sisters on Oct 6, 2007, 4:54pm

Hi.....new member as of today...I am 47 and have been a fan of the fleet since i was a little guy in the 60's....I have an extensive postcard collection,all the books on the fleet starting with the "Dogwood Fleet" and the "rare" Queens of British Columbia"..I am a fan of the "Seven sister ships" look forward to talking with all who are interested in the back bone of the fleet from the 60's and 70's......Are there any film clips around of the "Victoria" collision from 1970...A sad day!......
Re: New Members
Post by leconte on Nov 6, 2007, 9:24pm

Greetings fellow ferry fans,

I grew up in a land without ferries, but spent as much time as I could on the water. When I was young my parents took me on a trip to the Puget Sound area, and after my first ferry ride, I wanted to ride every single one every day of our trip!

Eventually I grew older (but not completely up!) graduated High school and started trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. A few years later I found out about the California Maritime Academy, and the chance to become a professional mariner.

While at the Academy, I took an internship one summer with the Alaska Marine Highway System, and fell instantly in love. After graduation I only applied to the AMHS and have been working with them for about 2 years now.

Ever since my internship experience I have been OBSESSED with the AMHS. I spend a good deal of my time scouring every source I can for information on the Ships, people and history of my fleet. (Any information is always appreciated) It was on one such search that I stumbled upon this site.

I have very little experience with the BC ferries, but I try to follow any news and happenings with all of the fleets in this region.

My goals for this site... To share information with others who enjoy ferries and the communities and peoples they serve. I will try my best to prevent mis-information either by myself or others, while respecting everyones right to their own opinions. Sadly work sometimes keeps me away from the internet so my postings may be few and far between, but I will do my best.

Finally thank you all for participating and making this site as friendly and informative as possible. It is people like you who prevent these grand ladies from becoming obscure memories.

Hope to see you all out on the water,

M/V LeConte
Re: New Members
Post by nucksrule on Nov 7, 2007, 4:33pm

Welcome M/V LeConte :)
I hope you enyoy your time here on the Forum.
Re: New Members
Post by hornbyguy on Nov 7, 2007, 5:37pm


Quote:


I grew up in a land without ferries,


That's just about the saddest thing I've ever heard. Glad you turned out normal (I'm assuming? ;)) and that you're making up for your deprived childhood by working for AMHS.

So what's the second busiest ferry port in the panhandle? I'm assuming Juneau is number one; and do crews have a favorite/ least favorite vessel to work on?
Re: New Members
Post by leconte on Nov 7, 2007, 10:29pm

Good Questions!

Hmm, busiest port.. I guess I would agree that Juneau (technically Auke Bay) ranks on top, since all mainliners and the Kennicott make frequent stops here. There are also two day boats based from here.

As for second busiest. I would say it is a tough call between Ketchikan and Haines. Ketchikan is of course the "first city," meaning it is the first stop after Bellingham or Prince Rupert. Haines is our closest connection to the road system. All Mainliners make a stop in Haines, as well as one of the Fast Ferries (when operational) and of course the LeConte! During the Summer months I would say there is approximately 5 ships (out of 8 operating in Southeast) making in the neighborhood of 10 to 15 stops per week.

Now the tough question. Is there a favorite or least favorite vessel? Every crew and vessel are different, and the same ship will have a different feel with a different crew. I am sure we all can somehow relate to this. Ask every member of the forum which ship is the best and which is the worst, and things will heat up pretty quickly. Personally, my favorite is the LeConte. Runners up are the Matanuska (my first ship), and the Kennicott. My least favorites? Without going into detail (or speaking ill of my company), I would say the Fast Ferries and the Kennicott. Yes, the Kennicott made both my lists. She is a well appointed comfortable ship that can handle almost anything she comes up against, but there are (in my humble opinion) some design flaws, and I just think she looks a little too boxy.

As for my normalicy... that can be debated!

Thanks again, Neil for the questions. Do you have a favorite/least fav vessel? (doesn't have to be AMHS of course!)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 7, 2007, 10:53pm

Mr. LeConte:

Have the AMHS fast-ferries had problems with their "suitability" to the routes & weather?

BC ferries had 2 fast ferries running during the turn of the century, and they were ill-suited for their runs.....and sold off as a result.

I'm curious if the AMHS fast-ferries had similar good-intentions, but operational-issues.
Re: New Members
Post by leconte on Nov 7, 2007, 11:13pm

There are operating parameters that they have to stay within. They cannot operate if the seas are greater than such and such or if the wind speed is over X amount. Some (most?) of our winter storms exceed those parameters and the fast ferries are unable to leave the dock. This has frustrated passengers to no end. BUT, when the weather is nice and conditions are favorable, passengers love them. They have a smooth ride and cut the travel time in half.

Last winter I made a trip from Juneau to Haines in 18ft seas with steady 80+ knot winds. Instead of our usual service speed of 16kts we were slugging it out at around 4-6kts. Needless to say the fast ferry stayed at the dock that day.

There have also been issues with the water jet intakes sucking up debris and gunk, increasing maintenance issues/costs.

I do not know AMHS' long term plans for the fast ferries, but originally two were ordered with the option for two more, and only two have been built and delivered.
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Nov 8, 2007, 9:42am

Thanks Leconte...

I've very much enjoying this discussion...

it's nice to get first hand info on the actual operations of the Alaskan ferry system.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Nov 28, 2007, 6:20pm

Welcome aboard, Mr. Landlubber.

We look forward to any future contributions you may wish to present, and are thankful for what you've already contributed. I'm about to post your photo of the Princess Margeuritte in the photos section. ;D
Re: New Members
Post by gunther on Dec 8, 2007, 1:45pm

Look at me... I'm a 'new' member... I post under the name Gunther or (more frequently) fail to log-in and post as "Gunny"

I am a 3rd Year, BCom Candidate in the Accounting Option (Co-op Program) at the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business (Formally). Informally I am a Accounting Student :D. I hope to eventually obtain my C[hartered] A[ccountant] designation (after I graduate and get into a firm).

I have a wide range of interests in the transportation field, and TLog was a consideration if I failed to gain admission to the accounting field. Primarily my interests are in Rail and Ferry transportation, especially passenger transport. I currently am the Chairman, President, CEO, CFO and COO of the Carmanah Valley Railroad in my 'Study'. I also have an interest in Busses, on a more practical basis as I was a frequent rider of the 84 earlier this year. More obscurely, cable (chairlift/gondola) transportation interests me, but only when there is snow below my skis.

I was exposed to BC Ferries at an early age, being an islander who travelled to the mainland with family frequently. I am a big fan of the Queen of Alberni, and the V-Class. On a smaller scale the Nimpkish is a good looking vessel.

I also Geocache under the Name "UBCCacher" With 89 caches found.


That is all.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Dec 8, 2007, 2:04pm

Gunther: thanks for the formal introduction.

It's good to see the accountant membership of our forum increase. ;D

So, if BC Ferries were to purchase Flensberger Shipyard, would it translate the operations using the temporal-method or the current-rate method? ;D ;D (it's always a good day when you can do a ferry - accounting joke)

--------------------
PS: I've sent you a personal message about the wonderful world of accounting.
Re: New Members
Post by nickfro on Dec 12, 2007, 1:13pm

Good day to all. . .

I have been reading lots of posts over the past month or so and some great information compiled throughout the forums!

Born and raised on the north shore, growing up with people from Bowen Island, and numerous trips to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine coast, I have always had great interest in ferries. I need to think about it, but will post a list of ferries I have and haven't been on among the fleet.

Great work on all posts, and I will try to provide valuable input myself and play by the rules.
(Forgive me if I mess something up in the early going!)
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Dec 12, 2007, 2:26pm

Welcome Nickfro, it is great to have new members. Look forward to you posting more and hearing some of your ferry experiences.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Dec 12, 2007, 4:25pm

Welcome, It's good to see North Shore membership increase :)
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Dec 12, 2007, 9:46pm

Welcome Aboard, Nickfro..! :)
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Dec 12, 2007, 9:49pm

Wow, another Nick.........

Welcome, Nickfro. Hope to hear from you frequently.
Re: New Members
Post by nickfro on Dec 13, 2007, 1:19pm

This newbie needs to know how to insert pictures, and do so within the preferred size regs. I have a decent shot of the CR under the Lions Gate Bridge. Please be detailed so I don't botch anything.

Thanks!
Re: New Members
Post by scott on Dec 13, 2007, 1:33pm


Quote:
This newbie needs to know how to insert pictures, and do so within the preferred size regs. I have a decent shot of the CR under the Lions Gate Bridge. Please be detailed so I don't botch anything.

Thanks!

The following should explain it well... 800 x 600 is maximum for posting directly on the forum, but you can add a URL to a higher resolution picture if you wish.

Quote:
How to Post Images


1. Sign up with an image hosting company such as Photobucket, or you can use Geocities, or Sitesled. Photobucket is best for those who do not have a website. Please do not use a direct link from a website in the [IMG] tags This is considered hot-linking and is against ProBoards TOS! First time offenders will have the problem fixed by a mod, From then on offenders will have their problem posts deleted.

2. Copy and paste this code:
Code:
[IMG]URLhere[/IMG].



Any other questions, just let us know...

Re: New Members
Post by islandguy on Dec 13, 2007, 5:24pm

Hi I'm another newbie,

I've been a reading the forum for a while and I have to say the information and pics are great. I finally signed up 8 months back so that I can contribute myself but I didn't have time to introduce myself until now.

Born and raised on the Vancouver Island I have traveled on the ferries a numerous amount times and over time I became a BC ferry enthusiast and gotten familiar with a lot of the ships.

I'm now living and working in Vancouver as I moved here 10 years back to go University but I still go back to the Van. Island
to visit the parents.

My favourite motor vessel is the Queen of Alberni but I have a bunch of other favorites as well.

Well, I'm looking forward to posting replies and istead of just reading them but I'll start off slow until I get use to posting in the forum.
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Dec 13, 2007, 7:19pm

Welcome Alberni. I look forward to your postings.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryes on Dec 15, 2007, 4:21pm

Hello all, you guys probably heard my responces as guest, now im a member, i have always been a ferry geek since i was 4. My dad works on the Vancouver,New West,Esquimalt(temporarily) and the SOBC. i would be honored to post any rumors or unusual spotting out on Tsawwassen as i live in SOuth Delta.
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Dec 15, 2007, 7:43pm

Ah, hey Ferryes,

As a fellow Deltite (from the North), I'd like to welcome you aboard. Glad to see more members from our great city.

Cheers,
-Mikey
Re: New Members
Post by hornbyguy on Dec 17, 2007, 10:27pm

I know this is up to the moderators, but could I direct someone's attention to the latest 'newest member'?..... methinks we're in need of pest control again....
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Dec 17, 2007, 10:40pm


Quote:
I know this is up to the moderators, but could I direct someone's attention to the latest 'newest member'?..... methinks we're in need of pest control again....


Not to do the moderators job myself either, but the same person who is listed on the start page as our newest member might want to consider changing his name if he wants to be taken seriously from the start.
Re: New Members
Post by scott on Dec 17, 2007, 10:45pm


Quote:
I know this is up to the moderators, but could I direct someone's attention to the latest 'newest member'?..... methinks we're in need of pest control again....

We are aware of this 'new' member who coincidentally enough was also known as Ferryes and Coastal Fare.

We are in the process of dealing with it...
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Dec 18, 2007, 6:40am


Quote:
I know this is up to the moderators, but could I direct someone's attention to the latest 'newest member'?..... methinks we're in need of pest control again....


already deleted, as it's the same person as "Coastal Fare and ferryes".

Unfortunately, the name still shows as "newest member", but the account's already deleted.

yeah, the choice of name really gives an indication to the quality of character.....
Re: New Members
Post by deepsea on Dec 22, 2007, 5:48am

I didn't find the "New Member" thread in time. I had already invented two chafing posts, so I coyly apologize for that.

So, without further ado, I am Rob. Yes, I can write. I am, radically, proficient at reading newspapers in the toilet stalls.

I grew up right by the Fraser River, and live very close to the Deas Maintenance facility. So, because of that, I grew up on boats & ferries. I hated school, I didn't want to go to do the whole college thing, to work on the ferries. I just ride them and take pictures.

I have been on the Queen of Alberni, the most. She was one of the first ferry, that I've been on as a kid. And, had the best memories. I have also been onboard most of the fleet, from Skeena Queen up to Spirit Class.

I have been in several storms onboard the ferries, and remember how I enjoyed it. I didn't notice anyone barfing, but then, I was too busy admiring the ship rolling around.

I can't ever get seasick, no matter what. I remember one particular storm, the ship was rolling around so hard. People were mostly sitting down, but I was roaming around with a big grin on my face. I was onboard one of the V Class.

When I was a kid, I used to look for pictures of the ferries. Sadly, there aren't any of the old Expo or pre-Hahn ferry pictures anymore. I am referring to the postcards that is sold in the gift shop on the ships.


I work for Canada Post, my chore is as a postal clerk. I wear a short sleeved shirt, with a poker hat visor, and have my glasses on the rim of my nose. No actually, we don't practice that anymore. I just help send the mail along.

I am very glad to know that there are those who cares about BCF. Not that many comprehends the historic significance, or how it help shaped BC and the Islands.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Dec 22, 2007, 5:51am

Chafing is defined by annoyance and you are anything but.

I am thankful for such a thoughtful member as you, Rob. Please keep up the great contributions :D
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Dec 22, 2007, 10:22am

Welcome Mr. Deep-Sea Rob.

You spoke about the Expo-livery, but what are your thoughts on the old pastel-blue livery? You were only a wee-child for the last few years of pastel-blue, but when you see that old livery in pictures, do you like it?

Your generation of ferry-nerds grew up with expo-livery, and so I'm wondering how you'd rate the 3 different styles over the years.

(maybe we need to categorize members by age-group: ie. the Expo-generation, the pastel-generation, the Spirit-Generation....based on the types of ferries that they first rode-on as a kid... ;D).
Re: New Members
Post by deepsea on Dec 22, 2007, 10:16pm

Haha, well you would have to keep in mind that I did ride the ferries, when they were "Pastel Blue" I just don't remember it! Ergo, I could be considered as part of the Blue Gen - Expo Gen transitional.

I like the Expo livery, because it screams BC. The current livery doesn't, and you would have to see the "BC" part to know it operates in BC. But, at the same time, it does pay homage to the Pastel Blue in a way.

I just wish they still designated the ferries as Queen of, not Spirit of, or Coastal. To me, it doesn't make sense. You have an entire generation of ferries designated as Queen of, and most of them are still operating today. Then, you have the Spirits and Coastal, both of which serves in the same fleet. That is like having a ship named USS in the Canadian Navy with their HMCS.

Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Dec 24, 2007, 1:10am

Welcome, Rob "aka- deepsea" we look forward to your participation here... :)
Re: New Members
Post by nickfro on Jan 22, 2008, 9:12am

As membership continues to grow, it'd be great to hear from each new member in this thread. We have had a good number of new members joining our forum within the past couple of weeks.

It's a great place to get the ball rolling by introducing yourself and telling us about one or some of your ferry experiences! :D
Re: New Members
Post by coastalcody on Jan 22, 2008, 4:40pm

Hey!
I am a ferry geek!
That is the career i want to get involved in.
I have taken steps allready as getting higher boating licenses.
I live in gibsons bc.
Two minutes away from the ferry terminal.
I have an ocean view so i always see what ferry is going in and out and i can see the old plunker(esquimalt) when she is docked in berth two.
I have toured the surrey, sobc, sidney. I have taken the inside passage on the queen of the north.
I have been on almost every ferry in the b.c. fleet except a few.
Basically sums it up.

Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Jan 22, 2008, 5:34pm

Welcome Aboard, "coastalcody". We look forward to what you have to post.
Re: New Members
Post by coastalcody on Jan 22, 2008, 5:51pm

Thank you. I am familiar with all the rules and how the website works as i am on a very similar board, but its for wrestling. So you won't need to worry about me causing problems. By the way i was going to the mainland on sunday night. The mountains were covered in snow and it was a nice sunset i took some pics off the surrey. It was on my cell phone though so im going to see if there good quality, if they are i will post them because some are good shots of the queen of capilano and cowichan coming around in front of a really nice sunset.
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on Jan 23, 2008, 12:21pm

Welcome to all new members - glad to have your contributions coastalcody, our latest newbie - we appreciate the time and effort taken by positive posters to become members and join our crew. I look forward to many more new members to make this an even richer and more diverse forum. :)
Re: New Members
Post by rover239 on Jan 23, 2008, 10:38pm

Welcome to the forum coastalcody! Its great to see new members sign up. I hope you have fun here.
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Jan 24, 2008, 12:07am

Welcome Aboard, coastalcody! :)
Re: New Members
Post by mainlander101 on Jan 29, 2008, 8:11pm

Yeah, hey CoastalCody - welcome aboard! :)
Re: New Members
Post by farout on Jan 30, 2008, 3:00pm

hi i'm craig and from alberta, i'm love the ferries prob because we have around here (exsept for the Bleriot ferry) so i have got a bit of an intrest in them. i'v been reading threw this site for a while now and the inner nerd in me finds it intresting! i cant say i'll always comment but if i got something to say or ask i'll be sure to do so!
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jan 30, 2008, 6:54pm


Quote:
hi i'm craig and from alberta, i'm love the ferries prob because we have around here (exsept for the Bleriot ferry) so i have got a bit of an intrest in them. i'v been reading threw this site for a while now and the inner nerd in me finds it intresting! i cant say i'll always comment but if i got something to say or ask i'll be sure to do so!


Welcome aboard here, Sir. Good to have you on the forum. :)

If you live in sight of the Rocky Mountains, I envy you.....
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Jan 30, 2008, 7:04pm


Quote:

Quote:
hi i'm craig and from alberta, i'm love the ferries prob because we have around here (exsept for the Bleriot ferry) so i have got a bit of an intrest in them. i'v been reading threw this site for a while now and the inner nerd in me finds it intresting! i cant say i'll always comment but if i got something to say or ask i'll be sure to do so!


Welcome aboard here, Sir. Good to have you on the forum. :)

If you live in sight of the Rocky Mountains, I envy you.....


The mean old moderator is getting soft in his old age. No gentle reminder re avoidance of 'MSN English' or instruction on where to find the spell check button.

Yes 'farout' you are welcome here but please do try to make your posts more readable and complete with capitalization, reasonably correct spelling, etc. Is 'prob' short for 'problem'?
Re: New Members
Post by bcinnj on Jan 31, 2008, 3:54am


Quote:

Quote:


Welcome aboard here, Sir. Good to have you on the forum. :)

If you live in sight of the Rocky Mountains, I envy you.....


The mean old moderator is getting soft in his old age. No gentle reminder re avoidance of 'MSN English' or instruction on where to find the spell check button.

Yes 'farout' you are welcome here but please do try to make your posts more readable and complete with capitalization, reasonably correct spelling, etc. Is 'prob' short for 'problem'?

He has to wait for the moderators' poll to see which misbehaving member gets the short straw. ;) ;D

Welcome aboard farout, though you might not be as far out as some of us! :D
Re: New Members
Post by jimpilch on Feb 15, 2008, 8:57am

I worked for the Ferries between 1974 and 1980 as an oiler and Junior Engineer out of Horseshoe Bay. I sailed mainly on the Queen of Nanaimo, Queen of Surrey (pre QON), Queen of Coquitlam and about a dozen others including the Langdale Queen, Queen of the Islands, Howe Sound Queen, Queens of Tsawwassen and Sidney... Quit the ferries to go to work on the tugs. I still have a few friends who work on the ferries as well as several who used to. I have quite a few photos from back then, one day I will have to go through them and post a collection.
Re: New Members
Post by wetcoastkidjst on Feb 15, 2008, 9:10am

Welcome jimpilch!

We look forward to your insights both historical and current, and also to your photo collection.
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Feb 15, 2008, 9:42am

Very interesting. Welcome Jimpilch.

I'm always tantalized by stories from members who used to work on the ferries during the early years. I'm especially intruiged by the mention of the name Langdale Queen... the all time most storied ferry in my imagination.
I'd love to hear any stories or see any new images from out of your archive.
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Mar 3, 2008, 11:59pm

It is funny, considering how many new members that have joined up lately, there have not been a lot of posts in this thread.

I would like to invite all new members who haven't yet, to make a quick post here to introduce themselves, and explain a little about why they like ferries and why they are here.

I don't know about anybody else, but I like to get a little bit of background on a person, since it helps me try to understand their posts and the thought processes behind them (hopefully that doesn't sound too creepy...). That way, we don't spend a lot of time and energy talking in circles because we are misunderstanding each other. I'm not looking for credit card numbers or anything (although, if you want to give me them, I'm not stopping you...), just some kind of "Hi, I'm _______, I started riding ferries ____, and I typically take route ____."

I appreciate these people taking the time to do this.
Re: New Members
Post by esquimaltqueen on Mar 19, 2008, 5:18pm

Alrighty, I am here to introduce myself!
I have been travelling on BC Ferries since I was a baby with my mum. I have only travelled on routes 1, 2 and 30, but I hope to add many more to the list.
The distinct scent of the V-class ships always trigger memories of early childhood. One of my favourite early memories was when my mum actually made me familliarize myself with the location of the life jackets and whatever else the safety announcement told us to do! The V-classes are my favourite, they seem to have been made with love and care...at least that is what I think. They have this wonderful warm atmosphere that other ships do not sem to have. I love it when they rattle and vibrate, it always reminds me of my mum singing to me when I was a little girl. I remember laying my head against her chest as she sung, and her voice would vibrate against my ear...it would always sooth me and make me fall into a cozy sleep. I enjoy cuddling up in a corner on a ferry and taking a nap, I sleep better on a ferry than in my own bed!
The reason why I have joined this forum, and you have probably guessd it, is because I am enamoured with the Queen of Esquimalt. She represents the mucicipality that I was born and raised in. I have travelled on her more than any of the other V-class ships. I have so many fond memories of her while travelling with close friends and family. I am not sure what else to say for now, but when I can find the words to explain why else I enjoy BCF, I will definitely let you guys know.

Moderator Edit: Changed font colour.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Mar 19, 2008, 5:38pm

Welcome "Queen".

I can sympathize with how you feel about the old V-ships. I'm really going to miss the Queen of New Westminster on the Route30 sailings; as I liked the quiet (in the early morning sailings) upper-aft lounge.

The Coastal Inspiration will have more space, but it will cost me $10 to get into that quiet empty room.

And the Alberni has no place for me to hide and relax.

Yeah, those V-s and B's and New-West ships have a great mix of childhood and recent-day memories, for me too. At least we'll still have the Burnaby & Nanaimo for a few more years; and the re-done NewWest on Route-1.

What's the story on how you got your beige ferries shirt? Did you know someone who used to work at ferries? I've got a blue uniform shirt & cap, but I haven't had occasion to wear them yet (I was thinking halloween?)
Re: New Members
Post by esquimaltqueen on Mar 19, 2008, 6:43pm

I bought the old BCFC patch on ebay for $3! I bought the shirt at Value Village, it is originally from a store called Costa Blanca. I got another patch on ebay a while ago and it cost $17. It was well worth it, because it is older than the previous on I have. This recent addition says "British Columbia Ferry Authority" whereas the other one (the one that is on my shirt) says "British Columbia Ferries." Sorry, not much of an exciting story there. I just found out that my friend's dad works as an engineer for BCF, and he said he will give me his old coveralls with the dogwood logo on it! I can't wait to get those..I am super excited.
Re: New Members
Post by canucks on Mar 19, 2008, 7:56pm

Hello there I am new to this forum. I came across this forum a few months ago looking for ferry pictures and was pleasently surprised at what this site had to offer. I have been riding on the Route 2 ferries since I was a little kid and have always been interested in them and I look forward to contributing to this forum. :)

Re: New Members
Post by denelson83 on Mar 19, 2008, 8:16pm

Welcome aboard, Canucks. Route 2 is actually my favourite ferry route, 'cuz it's the closest major route to where I live, and I've ridden on it the most myself.
Re: New Members
Post by cohocatcher on Apr 8, 2008, 10:28am


Quote:
It is funny, considering how many new members that have joined up lately, there have not been a lot of posts in this thread.

I would like to invite all new members who haven't yet, to make a quick post here to introduce themselves, and explain a little about why they like ferries and why they are here.


I'm not exactly new, but... I'm cohocatcher. I started riding the ferries in the mid 70s when my parents moved from Vancouver to Nanoose Bay, and I usually ride route 2.

I'm a retired IT person from UBC.

Re: New Members
Post by nickfro on Apr 8, 2008, 1:23pm

Well, better late than never, Cohocatcher! I never ended up meeting you on the CR's inaugural voyage, but surely we'll run into you on a future group trip.

Welcome to the forum, doctorcad! Sounds like you'll have plenty to contribute along the way.
Re: New Members
Post by ferrymaniac101 on Apr 8, 2008, 3:59pm

cohocatcher, any secrets on the IT industry? I want to get into that field

doctorcad, welcome and get yourself acquainted with our members on the north shore, we have a few over there and you might see them on the buses or in their cars.

Just curious, why do you have McLovin from Superbad as the avatar? People at my school say I look like McLovin.

Welcome aboard!
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Apr 8, 2008, 10:34pm

Welcome Aboard, doctorcad..! Enjoy your time here... :)
Re: New Members
Post by tsawwassenterminal on May 1, 2008, 8:14am

Welcome doctorcad, love the sig pic. ;) :) Glad to have you aboard and we look forward to your contributions as a member.

Belated welcome to cohocatcher; it's been good to see you around so often since you first joined.


I myself am, though only technically, a new member, or atleast a fresh member again for the moment, while I take a break from being moderator during this period when I'm lacking the time to properly devote myself to our forum. I look forward to serving us all in the same capacity again soon by actively moderating as the entire team does today.
Re: New Members
Post by cfg on Jun 11, 2008, 8:14pm

Hello All, I have been reading your forum for about the last month or so and figured it was time to register. Was introduced by one of your members months ago but just now starting to visit more often.

I am well acquainted with a high ranking officer on the bridge of the Coastal Celebration. He is on board for the delivery voyage. Hopefully I will have some stories for you when he returns.

Home town - Sidney
Occupation - Civil Engineering Student
Common Routes - SWB-TWA, SWB-SGI

Thats all for now,

CFG (Casual Ferry Geek)

PS Thanks in advance for all the pictures you post. I enjoy looking at them.
Re: New Members
Post by coxnnick on Jun 11, 2008, 8:52pm

Something tells me I know who you are, "cfg" ;)

Glad you finally joined up.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jul 3, 2008, 3:00pm

new member greeting cut/pasted from another thread, and moved here.

=========


Jul 3, 2008, 2:47pm, rayj wrote:
WOW !!
Great website !!
I have always been a BC Ferry enthusiast and I just happened to stumble upon this website by mistake. I though I was the only person in the world who was a "fan" of BC Ferries. It's great to see so many other people who share the same passion.

My love for these great ships started before I can even remember. My father worked at Burrard Drydock from 1960 to 1992 when it closed. We lived in North Vancouver (my parents still do). He used to take me down there on the weekends and show me around and take me on the ferries they were constructing. The engine rooms were my favorite part. I even had the privelage of seeing them put the propeller on the QUEEN OF SURREY. Whenever we would go to Victoria or Nanaimo, my father would take me down in the engine rooms while we were sailing. He would also take me up to the bridge and and the captain would let me blow the horn. I would laugh seeing all the passengers on the deck jump !

I have a few interesting pieces at home. I have all the original blue prints for all the BC ferries that were constructed at Burrard Dry Dock, including the QUEEN OF COQUITLAM, QUEEN OF SURREY, QUEEN OF TSAWWASSEN as well as other non BC ferry ships that were constructed there. My father was puttering around an old storage room at Burrard one day in the late 80's and came across these so he brought them home.
I also have the original blue print for the PRINCESS LOUISE. Does anybody remember that ship from the 1930's ? I have it framed and it hangs on my living room wall. It’s about 6 feet wide and 2.5 feet high

My father also has an oil painting of the Princess of Vancouver as it sailed under the Lions Gate Bridge.

Anyhoo, great website !! I look forward to browsing the threads and contributing


==============
Re: New Members
Post by gordon on Sept 30, 2008, 6:38pm

I am just generally interested in ferries & other modes of transportation.

This is a very informative website.
Re: New Members
Post by islandboy on Oct 28, 2008, 5:50pm

Hi there everyone! I figured before I post anything else I should actually be nice and post a quick introduction about myself :)

Although this is my first official post to this forum, I've actually been lurking for quite a while (months before the sinking of the QoTN and back when the discussion around here would seem to cascade from time to time ;)), but with with work/school I didn't really have time to contribute to the great discussion that takes place here (bad spelling/grammar aside of course, LOL). But now I have more time, so it's all good :).

In terms of me: grew up in Port Alberni, just moved back after going to university and working out of town for a while. I've been lucky to have traveled a lot that's involved our "Dogwood Fleet" in some way, so hopefully I'll have photos/videos to share that are new to all of you :)

I think that's basically it, thanks and hi 8-)
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Oct 28, 2008, 6:34pm


Oct 28, 2008, 5:50pm, islandboy wrote:
Hi there everyone! I figured before I post anything else I should actually be nice and post a quick introduction about myself :)


Good to meet you on here, and welcome aboard as a posting member. Thanks for making this thread your first post.

Welcome to the scrum. Since you've been lurking for so long, you'll know what to expect from each of us in discussion....or you'll know how to push our buttons. ;D Good to hear that you went back to Port Albundy. I was hoping it wouldn't become a ghost town. How are things looking in Alberni, re economy & jobs etc?
Re: New Members
Post by islandboy on Oct 28, 2008, 10:10pm


Oct 28, 2008, 6:34pm, flugelhorn wrote:

Good to meet you on here, and welcome aboard as a posting member. Thanks for making this thread your first post.

Welcome to the scrum. Since you've been lurking for so long, you'll know what to expect from each of us in discussion....or you'll know how to push our buttons. ;D


Hahaha LOL yeah well trust me I'm going to try to avoid setting anybody off (unless they deserve it ;)), I hate dealing with petty arguments and trolls so I'm sure everyone will get along with me just fine :).


Oct 28, 2008, 6:34pm, flugelhorn wrote:

Good to hear that you went back to Port Albundy. I was hoping it wouldn't become a ghost town. How are things looking in Alberni, re economy & jobs etc?


It's slowly getting better compared to say 10 years ago. The forest industry still plays a big role but will never be the same as it was before. Tourism and development of the port is big, and diversification of the economy into completely new areas (high tech and scientific research, etc) is taking hold. But there are still a lot of challenges this community faces.
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Oct 29, 2008, 10:51pm

Welcome Aboard, islandboy..! :)
Re: New Members
Post by gunther on Nov 5, 2008, 5:51pm


Dec 8, 2007, 2:04pm, flugelhorn wrote:

So, if BC Ferries were to purchase Flensberger Shipyard, would it translate the operations using the temporal-method or the current-rate method? ;D ;D (it's always a good day when you can do a ferry - accounting joke)


It depends if it is an integrated or stand alone operation Flugel. I would probably translate the foreign currency and consolidate using the current-rate method, as so little of the interactions Flensberger has are with BC Ferries, and the operating currency would be the subsidiaries currency (as would a number of other indicators).
Re: New Members
Post by excapg2 on Nov 29, 2008, 10:12pm

Howdy! I've spent many years working on the BC Coast and am a big believer in all forms of water transport. Having experience as a towboat Master, a ferry Master, and a crewboat / taxi operator among a few of my jobs, I've enjoyed reading much of the posted commentary on this forum and thought I might like to join in on some of it. I have had the pleasure of meeting some of you on the Garibaldi ll and on the Queen of Esquimalt ( sigh!) while I was working on them. Looking forward to my future participation as it develops.
Re: New Members
Post by ferryman on Nov 29, 2008, 11:20pm

Welcome aboard, excapg2!

I have this sense that we were once next door neighbors ;). Good to see you've joined the group. I'm still in town, and let me know when you're able to meet up for coffee :).
Re: New Members
Post by avidferryfan on Nov 30, 2008, 8:26pm

i have lived on the bc coast for 30+ yrs and have been a passenger on almost all routes in the southern portion of the coast. love the ferries but miss the sunshine breakfast
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Nov 30, 2008, 8:39pm

Nice try: Kyle, big-pimpin, selkirk college, booth bay.....etc. Your foul-stench is so easily recognizable.


Nov 30, 2008, 8:26pm, avidferryfan wrote:
i have lived on the bc coast for 30+ yrs and have been a passenger on almost all routes in the southern portion of the coast. love the ferries but miss the sunshine breakfast
Re: New Members
Post by rt1commuter on Mar 11, 2009, 2:57pm

As has been pointed out, no one knows anything about me... except that my name is JP. Well, here goes:

I'm 27, from Victoria (born, raised and currently residing), currently at UVic doing a Masters of applied science specializing in thermodynamics and transport phenomena (department of mechanical engineering). I have an engineering background with experience in thermo-fluid systems.

I've been traveling on the ferries all my life, though admittedly route 1 99% of the time. My girlfriend lives in Vancouver, so I'm on route 1 almost every Friday and almost every Sunday these days. I've also taken to combining cycling trips with Ferry trips, and thus have visited almost all of the gulf islands. I've been on every major route (including the Northern routes) though only a few of the minor routes.

My political view point is centrist with a slight left leaning (hence the hate-on the left has for the BC libs kind of bothers me).

Besides riding the ferries, I enjoy rock climbing and cycling. I have a tendency to be a geek in almost everything I do, so my interests tend to be very particular. I know a lot about a few things, but almost nothing beyond that... if you get my drift.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Mar 11, 2009, 3:40pm


Mar 11, 2009, 2:57pm, rt1commuter wrote:
I have a tendency to be a geek in almost everything I do, so my interests tend to be very particular.


Hey, your'e in good company here. As for me, and likely many others, you've described the ferry forum participant !

Good to have you here.

PS: have you done Route-40 Discovery coast? I did a multi-day Klemtu trip last summer, and it was great!
Re: New Members
Post by bcinnj on Apr 7, 2009, 10:58am

Well...it goes to show there is something to our discussion about ferry fanaticism and genetics...my brother found this website, was able to figure out who I was and has now joined our group. A welcome to our newest member, timmyboy...oh yeah, remember I'm your big brother and will pick on you at every chance...just like normal! ;D
Re: New Members
Post by timmyboy on Apr 7, 2009, 11:44am

Pick on me all you want but always remember I have got dirt. lol ;D
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on Apr 8, 2009, 8:32am


Apr 7, 2009, 11:44am, timmyboy wrote:
Pick on me all you want but always remember I have got dirt. lol ;D


Dirt? Did someone say dirt? Welcome Timmy - I think we are going to really appreciate your insight on things or persons unnamed ;D.
Re: New Members
Post by timmyboy on Apr 8, 2009, 4:22pm


Apr 8, 2009, 8:32am, pnwtraveler wrote:

Apr 7, 2009, 11:44am, timmyboy wrote:
Pick on me all you want but always remember I have got dirt. lol ;D


Dirt? Did someone say dirt? Welcome Timmy - I think we are going to really appreciate your insight on things or persons unnamed ;D.


Yes I have Dirt, but teaswer to start D'elete. I was just flipping through the Crew board asnd saw this "BCinNJ as carpenter! Oh my, everything will be overbuilt but will look great."

I was thinking Mechanic and then, Cryptic Laugh, "Cape Horn Interchange" I will let D'Elete go from there. ;D
Re: New Members
Post by bcinnj on Apr 9, 2009, 4:06am


Apr 8, 2009, 4:22pm, timmyboy wrote:

Apr 8, 2009, 8:32am, pnwtraveler wrote:


Dirt? Did someone say dirt? Welcome Timmy - I think we are going to really appreciate your insight on things or persons unnamed ;D.


Yes I have Dirt, but teaswer to start D'elete. I was just flipping through the Crew board asnd saw this "BCinNJ as carpenter! Oh my, everything will be overbuilt but will look great."

I was thinking Mechanic and then, Cryptic Laugh, "Cape Horn Interchange" I will let D'Elete go from there. ;D
haha...let the teasing begin..."dude...look out for that truck!"...
Re: New Members
Post by twsnagel on Apr 19, 2009, 7:30pm

Hi Folks,
CadMunkey demanded I register and post here, after he discovered that I've been lurking for about 4 years, no exaggeration!

I'm from Calgary, but I'm certainly a ferry nerd and travel on the ships whenever I'm out on the coast.

I'm planning a trip on the Discovery Coast with my girlfriend this year.

Also, CadMunkey wanted me to post a special photo here: does anyone recognize this?

-T

[image]
Re: New Members
Post by cadmunkey on Apr 19, 2009, 8:29pm


Apr 19, 2009, 7:30pm, twsnagel wrote:
Hi Folks,
CadMunkey demanded I register and post here, after he discovered that I've been lurking for about 4 years, no exaggeration!

I'm from Calgary, but I'm certainly a ferry nerd and travel on the ships whenever I'm out on the coast.

I'm planning a trip on the Discovery Coast with my girlfriend this year.

Also, CadMunkey wanted me to post a special photo here: does anyone recognize this?

-T

[image]


Man, I know thats how it happened but when you put it out like that you make me sound like an a$$. :)

Welcome
Re: New Members
Post by millbay on Apr 24, 2009, 12:22pm

Now who is the new member mrdot I wonder...?

Could it be the much fabled David Thorne himself? I'm curious.

Rumored to exist, but all the universe unsure.
Re: New Members
Post by persephone on May 27, 2009, 10:55pm

Hey everyone

Name's Megan also known as Kam's girlfriend, Also an out of the closet ferry geek lol. Met some of you at the Northern Expedition open house in port hardy and thought it was time to make an online presence and drop in and say hello. didn't ever know I loved ferries till I met Kam either so go figure. we live in departure bay and for the longest time I thought it was funny that Kam could identify the ferry's by the sounds of there horns but being near them all the time I think I'm starting to do it too... almost too scary lol ;)

Cheers
Persephone

[image]
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on May 28, 2009, 6:41am


May 27, 2009, 10:55pm, persephone wrote:
Hey everyone

Name's Megan also known as Kam's girlfriend, Also an out of the closet ferry geek lol. Met some of you at the Northern Expedition open house in port hardy and thought it was time to make an online presence and drop in and say hello.


Welcome, good to have you join here.

Cheers!
Re: New Members
Post by pnwtraveler on May 28, 2009, 6:43am

Welcome Persephone. It wasn't too long ago one of our forum members was asking why there weren't more females on the forum. I am sure she will be glad for the company.
Re: New Members
Post by persephone on May 29, 2009, 10:47am

Yeah Kam's told me about Donella she seems like and awsome person would love to meet her one day, see all her ferry tattoos and what not.

it's going to be great getting to know all of you.

cant' wait. :)

Persephone
Re: New Members
Post by hullnumbers on Jul 1, 2009, 11:15am

Hello, My name is hullnumbers and I am a big ferry fan. I first started liking the ferries in 2 thousand but i have always been a fan of big ships. The ship thing started when i was little. I have been coming to this forum ever since I found it sometime between 2002 or 2003. I can't remember but i have been checking up with the updates ever since. I am glad to be on now.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jul 1, 2009, 11:26am


Jul 1, 2009, 11:15am, hullnumbers wrote:
I have been coming to this forum ever since I found it sometime between 2002 or 2003. I can't remember but i have been checking up with the updates ever since. I am glad to be on now.


Well, you've been here since before the beginning. Why did it take so long for you to sign-up here?

;D
Re: New Members
Post by hullnumbers on Jul 1, 2009, 11:34am

I think the changes look great. i haven't been able to get on and i had no idea how to. But today i was experimenting and then i was able to figure it out.
Re: New Members
Post by flugelhorn on Jul 1, 2009, 11:38am


Jul 1, 2009, 11:34am, hullnumbers wrote:
I think the changes look great. i haven't been able to get on and i had no idea how to. But today i was experimenting and then i was able to figure it out.


Wow! you sure figured out how to do lots of things today, all at once. Let us know what wonder-drug you took in order to figure out so much in such a short time.

...I always love stories and details that just don't add-up. ;D ;D
Re: New Members
Post by lmtengs on Jul 5, 2009, 4:21pm

I've been putting this off for a while, but here's my introduction, so everyone knows.
Name: Luke
Birthday: Aug 30 '95
City: Maple Ridge, BC
Favorite Ferries:
Northern Expedition, Coastal Inspiration, Queen of Sidney
Favorite Ferries I've never been on: Queen of the North, Queen of The Islands.

I've been interested in ferries for all my life, since I travel on them at least 10 times every year. I realized I was a real ferry geek in 2006, soon after the Queen of the North Sank. Her sinking is really what started it all. I found this forum in 2007, then forgot about it soon after, and found it again in may '09. I enjoy taking photos of the ferries and riding them more than anything.
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jul 5, 2009, 8:28pm

Welcome aboard Mr. Tengs!

I'm glad you've finally introduced yourself. I think you'll find us a good fun bunch with tons of information. You obviously have a case of "Ferrynerditus" if you've signed up here... :D
Re: New Members
Post by mirrlees60 on Jul 5, 2009, 9:14pm

Welcome Aboard, Luke..!! Enjoy your voyage with us! :)
Re: New Members
Post by sunshinecoastkid on Jul 6, 2009, 2:02pm

I guess I should of done this when I first became a member but here I go...

My name is Scott Young but everyone calls me Scotty
I'm 13....14 tomorrow :)
I live in Powell River,BC...born in Nanaimo, BC
My first ferry ride was on the Queen of Sidney when i was one week old.
And I have too many favorite ferries to count :P

Re: New Members
Post by lmtengs on Jul 6, 2009, 2:09pm

Welcome to the best place on earth!
Re: New Members
Post by qsandwich on Jul 6, 2009, 2:34pm


Jul 6, 2009, 2:02pm, sunshinecoastkid wrote:
I guess I should of done this when I first became a member but here I go...

My name is Scott Young but everyone calls me Scotty
I'm 13....14 tomorrow :)
I live in Powell River,BC...born in Nanaimo, BC
My first ferry ride was on the Queen of Sidney when i was one week old.
And I have too many favorite ferries to count :P



Good to have you here!

You might already know a couple long time forum members here that hail from Powell River!
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Jul 6, 2009, 3:46pm


Jul 6, 2009, 2:34pm, qsandwich wrote:
You might already know a couple long time forum members here that hail from Powell River!
He'll find/recognize me soon enough. He'll be at Brooks this September...
Re: New Members
Post by qonw on Jul 14, 2009, 12:24pm

hi, I am Sean, I am from Quebec, and I move to British Columbia two months passed. My english is not good, so i excuse for that. I am a good friend of Luke. He gived me the love of the ferries and they are now being close to my heart. I live now in Maple Ridge, being very close to Luke. My house is being on the street that his is being on.

I am being certain that I will be being a valued member in this internet website.
Re: New Members
Post by prqueenkid16 on Jul 14, 2009, 1:16pm

Well then Sean, Bienvenue à traversiers de côte ouest et Colombie-Britannique.
English (if correct): Welcome to West Coast Ferries and British Columbia.
Re: New Members
Post by potb101 on Jan 30, 2010, 2:54pm

OK, I should have followed through with this one last month, but didn't. My bad. So here goes...

Greetings, Ferry Friends! My name is Jody, I'm a pushing-40 twice-divorced has-been who never was, and a lover of the Washington Ferries ever since I was a kid. As a warning, I'm relatively new to the idea that loving ferries, taking pictures, etc. was something that lots of people are prone to.

My background includes 20 years as a professional and freelance journalist, six years as a railroad engineer and conductor, and three years in railcar manufacturing. As well, I am a former photo studio owner, lab manager, used car salesman, waiter, cook, consultant, rail excursion operator and delivery boy. Most recently, I'm on a good solid run of unemployment following the collapse of my former employer, Colorado Railcar Manufacturing. After they closed, I relocated in Bremerton, WA so my sweetheart could finish up nursing school. One year later, I'm considering returning back to college myself to finish up the degree that I quit on 18 years ago because of the sudden start to my family.

I have four children of my own, all boys, and four more surrogates that I love tremendously. They all think I'm nuts, but put up with me anyhow. God bless them for it, too.

In addition to ferries, I'm a big lover of trains and the rail industry. Because I know it well and have spent a majority of my career there, a lot of my perspectives on ferrying are twinged with the remnants of that knowledge. I also love lighthouses, covered bridges, and all things 'old'. Most everywhere I go, I am never without my camera. As for the photo, they say the camera puts ten pounds on you. I didn't expect it all to go to my ears... There's a reason I try to stay on the side with the viewfinder...

By the way, my "Ferry Foamer" moniker is kind of a play on a somewhat derogatory term for railfans, who are derided as being "foamers" for a number of reasons I won't get into here. But I've kind of embraced the term tongue-in-cheek mainly because it makes some folks bristle. My sweetheart was the one who tagged me with the term, so I ran with that as well.

So, that's me in a nutshell. Hi.

Jody

PS - dang near forgot to mention my favorite boats. Seems to be a theme here...

Favorites:
Passenger-only boat: Kitsap Foot Ferry's M/V Carlisle II
WSF car ferry: M/V Rhododendron
Other WSF car ferries I like: M/V Kaleetan, M/V Sealth,
Small car ferry: Marion County, Oregon's M/V Buena Vista no. 3
BC Ferries car ferry: M/V Oak Bay (even though I've yet to see her. I'm kind of infatuated with the overall looks of the boat)
Single-ended ferry: Black Ball's M/V Coho