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Post by DENelson83 on Mar 6, 2008 17:04:14 GMT -8
Hey, why not snap a few shots of the Coastal Renaissance at Horseshoe Bay and then send them to ctvbc.ca? You might see them on CTV News at 6 tonight! They have added a 6:10 sailing from Horseshoe Bay with the CR And then cancelled it.
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Mar 6, 2008 17:55:49 GMT -8
Well guys, I just pulled some media strings and talked to the folks at the DB terminal and they haven’t heard anything about any sailing today. BCFS will not release any information on an MD sailing to the public or media prior... She should be doing another 4:00PM sailing tomorrow, however... So if you want to get on her before she enters full-time, tomorrow is the time to do it..! **PLEASE DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT TOMORROWS SAILING IN THE OPEN PUBLIC SECTIONS OF THE FORUM, JUST THIS TOPIC. THE SHIP IS CURRENTLY RUNNING ON A 'C' LICENSE AND CANNOT CARRY A FULL LOAD OF PASSENGERS.**
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Post by Ferryman on Mar 6, 2008 21:18:42 GMT -8
**TO ANYONE COMING FROM THE MAINLAND ON THE 12:30pm SAILING**
You just might want to reconsider the sailing you are travelling over on. After talking with Scott in another conversation with his strong ties into Departure Bay, it is anticipated that the 3:00pm will be a full load. There is a scouting group that will be aboard the 3:00pm inaugural sailing. Then with this advertisement for the inaugural sailing, which will make it into all media outlets by the morning and last throughout the day and into Saturday. So I think I might follow my gut feeling, especially after previous occurences with my Ferry curse, that I'll catch the 10:30am Queen of Oak Bay sailing instead. Tickets will be on sale for the 3:00pm sailing at 12:31pm at Departure Bay, so this gives us ample time to reserve our spots. Otherwise you won't get your ticket for the 3:00pm until 2:20pm or so, and it could very well be full by then.
I'd hate to go over there to find out that the sailing was full, and would have to go home on the 5:00pm instead. I have to kind of get back home right after the trip as well, as my neighborhood is having a goodbye party for me and my family that night starting at 5:00pm - 7:30pm, as we'll be moving on the 18th.
Also, here's a revised list of who's doing what, just to bring it up to this page.
On Saturday the 8th:
10:30am sailing out of HSB (Queen of Oak Bay):
Cadmunkey + brother. Myself Coastal Skier Alex Political Correctness + Mother John H
12:30pm sailing out of HSB (Queen of Cowichan):
Cohocatcher + nephew
3:00pm out of Departure Bay (Inaugural sailing of Coastal Renaissance):
Myself John H Cohocatcher + Nephew Kam + G/F Tanya Nickfro Cadmunkey + brother Alex Coastal Skier Political Incorrectness + mother Denelson83
5:00pm sailing out of Horseshoe Bay (Inaugural sailing of Coastal Renaissance out of HSB)
Kam + G/F Tanya Newflyer Denelson83
7:00pm sailing out of DPB (2nd sailing out of Departure Bay on Coastal Renaissance)
Karl Newflyer Scott
9:00pm sailing out of Horseshoe Bay (2nd sailing out of HSB on Coastal Renaissance)
Scott Karl
Sunday, March 9th
queenofcowichan planning on a round trip 10:30am DPB/12:30pm HSB
OK, so who else will be going?
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Post by cohocatcher on Mar 6, 2008 21:52:04 GMT -8
As of right now, reservations for vehicles are still open for the CR trip on Saturday at 3 from Departure Bay. Unless there are several hundred scouts, she should not be full.
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Post by Ferryman on Mar 6, 2008 21:59:58 GMT -8
Does anyone know for sure if people on the 12:30pm sailing from HSB will be able to buy their return ticket on the Coastal Renaissance in the gift shop of the Cowichan?
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Mar 6, 2008 22:13:47 GMT -8
As of right now, reservations for vehicles are still open for the CR trip on Saturday at 3 from Departure Bay. Unless there are several hundred scouts, she should not be full. There is without a doubt a large amount of footsies wanting to get on the Renaissance for her maiden voyage. Lets not forget the press releases and coverage the media has made about the Saturday sailing, as well as the BCFS high-ups and media will be joining the passengers on board. All because the vehicle reservations haven't sold out, does not mean that is isn't going to be full. I doubt anyone planning on doing a return trip to see the Renaissance for the first time is planning to take their vehicle with them along for the ride. If you show up close to sailing time, you may be disappointed...... Does anyone know for sure if people on the 12:30pm sailing from HSB will be able to buy their return ticket on the Coastal Renaissance in the gift shop of the Cowichan? It usually isn't a problem to purchase a return trip. However, I would call Departure Bay tomorrow morning (250-753-1261) just to make sure......
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,947
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Post by FNS on Mar 7, 2008 0:34:51 GMT -8
Greetings, all! As much as I would like to, I won't be up for the inaugural trips aboard the MV COASTAL RENAISSANCE due to commitments here in Seattle this weekend. I'll do my first trips later this month or during the summer. As for down here, I have been aboard a couple of memorable inaugural trips aboard the MV TACOMA and MV WENATCHEE. My first trips aboard the TACOMA was a special free round trip between Seattle and Bainbridge. It came just a couple or so days before her first regular trips in the late 1990s. This was at night, so I was able to try out the night vision from the Saloon Deck cabin. The visibility was good. A group of lights are turned out at each end to reduce the lighting emitting out at the ends at night. I asked a member of the crew if it should be darker, and he replied that the lights don't bother them at all. A band was on deck playing great music, special treats were served, and commemorative pins were handed out. My other inaugural trip was aboard the WENATCHEE. This was on the day of the launch of the MV PUYALLUP. I got to watch the launch from the decks of the WENATCHEE, which was moored next to the launch ways. Beautiful launch! After the launch, I got to ride the WENATCHEE to Colman Dock from Todd Shipyard. It was fun to experience the maneuverability of this massive 460-foot ferry as she turned like a clock to exit the west waterway of the Duwamish River. It was a short, but fun, trip. What made it more memorable was that I had the privilege of riding a new ferry straight from her actual birthplace to a destination. She had just received her first passenger carriage certificate after successful trials. Great experience and just days from her first official trips on the Bainbridge run. I wish everyone up on the north side of the Peach Arch a great day Saturday. ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!
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Post by Alex on Mar 7, 2008 1:16:29 GMT -8
Any other 12:30 mainland people considering going over on the 10:30? I'd prefer to be heading back on the 3pm, not only because that's the whole point of the trip, but also because I want to get home somewhat early. So I think I'll probably be goin over on the 10:30 sailing now.
Alex
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Post by Balfour on Mar 7, 2008 7:53:45 GMT -8
I'm gonna move over to the 10:30 sailing too then. I do need to be back in North Van in good time tomorrow.
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Kam
Voyager
Posts: 926
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Post by Kam on Mar 7, 2008 9:08:39 GMT -8
**TO ANYONE COMING FROM THE MAINLAND ON THE 12:30pm SAILING**You just might want to reconsider the sailing you are travelling over on. After talking with Scott in another conversation with his strong ties into Departure Bay, it is anticipated that the 3:00pm will be a full load. There is a scouting group that will be aboard the 3:00pm inaugural sailing. Then with this advertisement for the inaugural sailing, which will make it into all media outlets by the morning and last throughout the day and into Saturday. So I think I might follow my gut feeling, especially after previous occurences with my Ferry curse, that I'll catch the 10:30am Queen of Oak Bay sailing instead. Tickets will be on sale for the 3:00pm sailing at 12:31pm at Departure Bay, so this gives us ample time to reserve our spots. Otherwise you won't get your ticket for the 3:00pm until 2:20pm or so, and it could very well be full by then. Thats a good idea, and I think i'll drive down and pick up my tickets at 12:30 as well. You can add my G/F Tanya to the list as well. Any place or time inside the terminal we plan to meet up? Aside from the ribbon cutting
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Post by Kahloke on Mar 7, 2008 9:25:24 GMT -8
My first trips aboard the TACOMA was a special free round trip between Seattle and Bainbridge. It came just a couple or so days before her first regular trips in the late 1990s. This was at night, so I was able to try out the night vision from the Saloon Deck cabin. The visibility was good. A group of lights are turned out at each end to reduce the lighting emitting out at the ends at night. I asked a member of the crew if it should be darker, and he replied that the lights don't bother them at all. A band was on deck playing great music, special treats were served, and commemorative pins were handed out. I remember that free round-trip on Tacoma. I, too, was on that sailing, and that was a few years before I moved over to the peninsula and started riding those ferries daily. I still have my pin!
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Post by Dane on Mar 7, 2008 10:15:26 GMT -8
I have to cancel - sorry for the last minute, I am an Army's Duty Driver on Saturday and the Director of Reserves and Cadets (A Commodore, or BGen for Army Speakers) is flying and I need to pick him up from a 3pm flight. I am sad, but can use the money, and it is a great chance to network. I have been the duty driver like 75 times, quite literally, and this is the first time I have been called!!!
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Mar 7, 2008 17:34:22 GMT -8
I am going to now go for the 10:30 a.m. sailing now due to this. Is it possible to sneak a trip to Gabriola?
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Post by Ferryman on Mar 7, 2008 18:44:17 GMT -8
. Is it possible to sneak a trip to Gabriola? If we had transportation to the Nanaimo harbour Ferry dock in time for the 12:45pm sailing. We'd then return on the 1:20pm, bringing us back to Nanaimo Harbour at 1:40pm. I'll say sure, if someone is willing to drive (who would be given money for fuel), and we'd still be able to purchase our tickets for the Renaissance at 12:31. It seems a little bit too tight for time, but we can try anyways once we recieve our return tickets.
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Post by Nickfro on Mar 7, 2008 21:27:14 GMT -8
Yeah, that sounds a little cramped to me. I'm planning on taking the Mill Bay ferry for the first time on my way up to Nanaimo. If a few people are seriously interested in doing the Gabriola round trip I could be persuaded. I will have my truck as well, which is reserved for the 3pm sailing. I'll check this thread in the am to see what the consensus is!
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Mar 7, 2008 22:38:08 GMT -8
Coastal Renaissance arrived back at Departure Bay tonight around 7:55PM from her last MD sailing. Everything is a go for tomorrow afternoon at 3:00..!
I will not be on the 3:00 sailing tommorrow, but I hope that everyone that is attending has a good time..!
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Koastal Karl
Voyager
Been on every BC Ferry now!!!!!
Posts: 7,747
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Post by Koastal Karl on Mar 7, 2008 22:54:40 GMT -8
I have decided I will be joining Scott on the 7pm roundtrip on the CR. I am sure everyone will have fun on the 3pm and will take lots of photos.
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Post by Ferryman on Mar 8, 2008 8:26:06 GMT -8
**A Reminder to anyone parking at Horseshoe Bay**
As the forum guinee pig for bad experiences with parking at Horseshoe Bay, here are some things to remember from lessons learned from yours truely:
*If you plan to park in the outside lot closest to the foot passenger/admin building, you must have $12.00 worth of toonies and loonies in order to pay for the parking. You also pay before you leave the lot, and hope you'll make it back in time.
*If you park in the underground parkade, make sure you keep the ticket that you recieve as you enter the gate, and put it in a safe place in your vehicle while you're on the trip. If you lose this ticket, the penalty for doing so is having to explain what happened to a grumpy middle eastern Impark parkade guard, and recieving a $40.00 fine (yes this happened to me the last time I parked there). You also will not pay the fee for parking until you return, and you pay at the machine in the staircase of the parkade as you return.
*If by chance there is absolutely no parking in Horseshoe Bay, there is a secret overflow lot. Parking shouldn't be an issue today though.
For those who do not know where this is, follow these directions:
If you're at the foot passenger ticket booth drop off lanes, turn on to the highway where the cars coming off the Ferry are driving on. Go through the first set of lights you see and turn off at Exit 0. This is the Sea to Sky highway off ramp. This off ramp will take you up a hill to a stop sign at Marine Drive. Turn left at this stop sign, and follow this road until you see the new Fire Hall. Now the over flow lot is on the left side of the road, across from the Fire Hall, and is right below an overpass of Highway 1/99 up above. There should be a small sign that says "Overflow lot". This will take a bit longer to walk from (roughly 20 mins if you speedwalk).
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Post by Scott on Mar 8, 2008 8:42:28 GMT -8
Last minute changes in plans mean I can probably make this trip:) So hopefully we'll get the 10:30 from HBy and 3:00 from DBy.
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Post by Mike C on Mar 8, 2008 13:27:45 GMT -8
Confirmation: 5pm out of H-Bay, and 7pm out of D-Bay. Hope to see you all onboard...!
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Post by Nickfro on Mar 8, 2008 17:59:29 GMT -8
It was a great trip aboard the Coastal Renaissance today!
Alert! I just saw the intro to the Global BC newscast and there's a video snapshot of a few recognizable faces up on the Sun Deck! If you weren't able to see it on the 6pm news, I'm sure it'll replay on the 1130pm show if you want to tape it!
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Post by cohocatcher on Mar 8, 2008 18:02:50 GMT -8
I just got home from the trip. We went on the 1230 from HSB and bought boarding passes for the CR "inaugural" at the gift shop on the trip over. It was nice to meet the other members of our group who made that "first" voyage. Was interviewed by a man from CHEK, but who can guess if it will ever be used. Beautiful day and a great boat. I was very impressed. ______ My brother just called me and told me that (parts) of my interview were broadcast on the 6 news.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 8, 2008 19:42:40 GMT -8
It was a great trip aboard the Coastal Renaissance today! Alert! I just saw the intro to the Global BC newscast and there's a video snapshot of a few recognizable faces up on the Sun Deck! If you weren't able to see it on the 6pm news, I'm sure it'll replay on the 1130pm show if you want to tape it! I saw Chris "Corndawgg" on the sundeck, with his video camera.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 8, 2008 19:46:09 GMT -8
Was interviewed by a man from CHEK, but who can guess if it will ever be used. Were you a "middle-aged" man, who quoted the CR's speed to the interviewer? If so, then Yes, I saw you on the news report.
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Post by Scott on Mar 8, 2008 20:45:13 GMT -8
I was on the 10:30 Oak Bay and the 3:00 CR maiden voyage. It was a beautiful day for a ferry ride and a very impressive trip. Nice quiet, smooth sailing... excellent views from the windows... lots of stairs;) It's probably the nicest ferry in the fleet as far as the "travelling experience".
As far as the maiden voyage "celebration".. it was a bit of a dud. Somewhat disorganized crowd on the loading ramp... couldn't hear a word they were saying or see very much at all. They had a draw for 4 free Sail Passes, which was nice. I thought they'd have something that passengers could take home that would commemorate the trip.. some kind of pamphlet, bumper sticker, certificate, pen.. anything saying that "You were on the maiden voyage of the Coastal Renaissance". I guess I have my reciept;) And I'll always remember that free iced tea as long as I live! So other than BC Ferries not knowing how to throw a party, it was a great day:)
BTW, some of the forum guys are on a BCTV clip on the 6:00 news... shown on the top outside deck beside the solarium looking forward (shown from off the ferry) as it was approaching Horseshoe Bay (I assume).
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