Post by Ferryman on Jul 14, 2008 21:30:16 GMT -8
Yesterday, I was out on the Ferries, and well I don't think I'll EVER plan any more day trips on a Sunday to the Island. I wasn't traveling with anyone from the forum, but I did have a friend traveling with me, because she had never been to the Island before. So I took her over there, and showed her all of my favourite spots, and the place I grew up at.
I originally intended to be on the 10:40am, Queen of Oak Bay. But after being held up in summertime traffic, I never made it to Horseshoe Bay until 10:15am. No chance in heck was I going to be on that boat. But that's ok, it was a beautiful day. Once we parked inside the terminal, we did the usual walk around Horseshoe Bay village. I was trying to keep my inner Ferry geek to myself, and keep our conversations regarding everything but Ferries. That didn't last long.
We were laying in the grass, in the park near the wharf, and was watching the Queen of Capilano arrive at the dock. "Is that the Ferry we'll be taking?! That one is huge!", Suzanne asks me. I grit my teeth, and said "No, that's the Ferry that goes to Bowen Island". "How can you tell?", she asks. "I just know these things", I replied, thinking I could be sly with my psychic powers 
. Before we knew it, the Queen of Surrey came steaming into the bay. "That has got to be the Ferry we are taking!". "Nope", I said. She asked how I was able to tell, and then I blew it by saying I know the names of the ships, the routes they do, and the times they sail at. She called me a "tool" for this, with a sarcastic look on her face. Finally the Coastal Renaissance pulled into the bay, catching the eyes of everyone in the park. "There's our Ferry", I said. Suzanne thought it was a Cruise ship, and was amazed at the size and the look of it compared to the Capilano and Surrey.
There was a sailing wait at HSB by this point, so this was going to be a full sailing. But I was amazed once I was onboard, to find Deck 5 CLOSED. But then I remembered it was a nice day, so everyone will be outside anyways so it won't matter, which ended up being the case. Chances of finding a spot to stand along the railing was slim to none!
As a side note to anyone who has been on the CR a few times now.....the full 3 note chord horn was used upon departure at Horseshoe Bay. But the top note was only used to warn other boaters to get out of the way, after we left the Bay.
For the trip across the Strait, we managed to grab two of the blue chairs, that are near the solariums, but are closer to the railings. Suzanne fell asleep under my arm, and I was left watching the parents chase their kids around. What I found interesting to see, was that there was 3 deck hands, 1 at each door leading back into the passenger areas of the ship, holding the door open. That was their job, to just stand there holding the door open. I guess this is their way of directing people back into the interior areas of the ship, seeming it can be confusing for non regular travellers to find their way back inside. Eventually we pulled into Departure Bay, and I got a good look at the Coastal Celebration. Much of the gear from the trip over here is still on the Main car deck, and the containers are still sitting on the Upper car deck.
We pulled into Berth 3, so foot passengers could load/unload via the overhead walkway, causing no delays.
Once we drove off the Ferry, I immediately started to notice the crowded conditions at the terminal. The terminal was full, plus the lineup down Steward Avenue was rediculously long. It was backed up almost to Highway 19a. I decided I would just ignore it and enjoy our trip. But would check out the terminal conditions on the internet at a friends house.
At 5:00pm, I checked out the conditions on the internet, and was shocked to see that the sailing I was hoping to take home, the 7:30pm out of Departure Bay, was already full. Duke Points 10:45pm sailing was beginning to fill up fast as well. So we decided to head for Departure Bay, hoping for the Best. The second we turned onto Steward Avenue, I was greeted by the traffic director for the Ferry lineup. I asked what sailing would I be on by this point. He said I might just barely make it on to the 9:35pm. I hated the sounds of that, and dreaded the thought of being turned away from that sailing. I was thinking we wouldn't make it, because we were parked all the way back at the intersection of Rosehill Street, and Stewart Ave. Look that up on Google Earth, just to see how far back that is. Now I'll admit, we took our time going to the lineup, because I figured I'd make it on to the 9:05 no problem. So we arrived at the lineup at about 7:00pm. Google Earth tells me this is about 2km back from the terminal. So do the math for 2 lanes of parked cars for 2km. Equals one helluva bunch of cars. Once the 7:30pm sailing left, they began preparing to load the 9:05. We were moved all of about 2 blocks closer to that terminal for that sailing. That's when I started to be extremely worried, seeming I was listening to AM730 on the radio, and hearing that all sailings out of Nanaimo were full for the night. Once the 9:05 sailing left, we were a bit closer to the terminal, I'd say closer to the "Anchorage Marina" sign, which is close to where the Nanaimo shipyard is I believe. By 9:30pm, we still weren't in the terminal, but was inching our way closer and closer, until we were finally in eye sight of the terminal. I was stopped just before the traffic light at Brechin Ave. My heart was racing, because the terminal was already empty, and the Oak Bay was looking like it was ready to go. But was then given the ok to drive to the toll booth. "Thank god", I said to myself. I purchased our ticket, and the toll booth lady then decided to tell me, "I doubt you'll get on this one, so head down Lane 9". My heart just sank into my stomach. I was of course short fused by this point, and just wanted to get home. So I was slowly making my way down the lane, thinking I wasn't getting on, and that there would be a later MD sailing. But then I noticed the Terminal telling me to hurry up, and was directing me towards the Ferry. I ended up making it on anyway, but, and was parked directly on the Gallery deck ramp at the stern. I was so relieved to be on that Oak Bay. She never lets me down, so I was suddenly excited once again.
I was on the Oak Bays 9:35pm sailing on the Canada Day long weekend, but on a Sunday. That sailing was nearly completely empty, and I had the ship to myself. This wasn't the case yesterday. I also knew we would be going slow across the Strait, because the Cowichan wasn't far ahead of us, and there was only enough terminal attendants at HSB to run the one ramp. It was a very enjoyable sailing, which was a nice and warm summer moonlight sailing. My favourite. Having the cute girl under my arm as we layed on the lifejacket locker watching the stars made it even better. I knew I was going to hate myself in the morning, because I knew I would arrive home late, and would get a short sleep before work. But I wasn't concerned anymore, once we arrived at HSB. I had to take Suzanne back home to Burnaby though, and all of my stress while waiting came back to haunt me a 3rd time, when the Police decided to close the Second Narrows Bridge, just shortly after midnight. I could see the cops blocking the highway, and thankfully I was stopped right beside the Main St. turn off in North Van, so I could double back to Lions Gate. AM730 on the radio said it was due to a "Police Incedent". This ordeal cost me an hour worth of sleep. I was happy once I was back on the Upper Levels highway, at 1:15am. You'd think I'd have a nice quiet drive home on the Sea to Sky highway by this point. Hah! Of course not, I have a curse! The Sea to Sky highway was CLOSED. But for construction, and would re-open again at 2:00am. Well this is just lovely, I'm stuck in a 4th lineup at 1:30am. I just happened to be parked directly above Horseshoe Bay, and then I suddently started to feel a faint grumbling noise. It was the Coastal Renaissance pulling out of Horseshoe Bay, deadheading back home to Departure Bay. Before I knew it, I was allowed through, and was able to rip home, in time to pull into the driveway at 2:30am. Woohoo, I have to be ready for work in 6 hours. It was painful to wake up for, but I somehow managed to work today, and thankfully we only worked 8 hours today.
So this wraps it up for my adventure from yesterday. I'm off to bed, to get some sleep.
I originally intended to be on the 10:40am, Queen of Oak Bay. But after being held up in summertime traffic, I never made it to Horseshoe Bay until 10:15am. No chance in heck was I going to be on that boat. But that's ok, it was a beautiful day. Once we parked inside the terminal, we did the usual walk around Horseshoe Bay village. I was trying to keep my inner Ferry geek to myself, and keep our conversations regarding everything but Ferries. That didn't last long.
We were laying in the grass, in the park near the wharf, and was watching the Queen of Capilano arrive at the dock. "Is that the Ferry we'll be taking?! That one is huge!", Suzanne asks me. I grit my teeth, and said "No, that's the Ferry that goes to Bowen Island". "How can you tell?", she asks. "I just know these things", I replied, thinking I could be sly with my psychic powers 
. Before we knew it, the Queen of Surrey came steaming into the bay. "That has got to be the Ferry we are taking!". "Nope", I said. She asked how I was able to tell, and then I blew it by saying I know the names of the ships, the routes they do, and the times they sail at. She called me a "tool" for this, with a sarcastic look on her face. Finally the Coastal Renaissance pulled into the bay, catching the eyes of everyone in the park. "There's our Ferry", I said. Suzanne thought it was a Cruise ship, and was amazed at the size and the look of it compared to the Capilano and Surrey. There was a sailing wait at HSB by this point, so this was going to be a full sailing. But I was amazed once I was onboard, to find Deck 5 CLOSED. But then I remembered it was a nice day, so everyone will be outside anyways so it won't matter, which ended up being the case. Chances of finding a spot to stand along the railing was slim to none!
As a side note to anyone who has been on the CR a few times now.....the full 3 note chord horn was used upon departure at Horseshoe Bay. But the top note was only used to warn other boaters to get out of the way, after we left the Bay.
For the trip across the Strait, we managed to grab two of the blue chairs, that are near the solariums, but are closer to the railings. Suzanne fell asleep under my arm, and I was left watching the parents chase their kids around. What I found interesting to see, was that there was 3 deck hands, 1 at each door leading back into the passenger areas of the ship, holding the door open. That was their job, to just stand there holding the door open. I guess this is their way of directing people back into the interior areas of the ship, seeming it can be confusing for non regular travellers to find their way back inside. Eventually we pulled into Departure Bay, and I got a good look at the Coastal Celebration. Much of the gear from the trip over here is still on the Main car deck, and the containers are still sitting on the Upper car deck.
We pulled into Berth 3, so foot passengers could load/unload via the overhead walkway, causing no delays.
Once we drove off the Ferry, I immediately started to notice the crowded conditions at the terminal. The terminal was full, plus the lineup down Steward Avenue was rediculously long. It was backed up almost to Highway 19a. I decided I would just ignore it and enjoy our trip. But would check out the terminal conditions on the internet at a friends house.
At 5:00pm, I checked out the conditions on the internet, and was shocked to see that the sailing I was hoping to take home, the 7:30pm out of Departure Bay, was already full. Duke Points 10:45pm sailing was beginning to fill up fast as well. So we decided to head for Departure Bay, hoping for the Best. The second we turned onto Steward Avenue, I was greeted by the traffic director for the Ferry lineup. I asked what sailing would I be on by this point. He said I might just barely make it on to the 9:35pm. I hated the sounds of that, and dreaded the thought of being turned away from that sailing. I was thinking we wouldn't make it, because we were parked all the way back at the intersection of Rosehill Street, and Stewart Ave. Look that up on Google Earth, just to see how far back that is. Now I'll admit, we took our time going to the lineup, because I figured I'd make it on to the 9:05 no problem. So we arrived at the lineup at about 7:00pm. Google Earth tells me this is about 2km back from the terminal. So do the math for 2 lanes of parked cars for 2km. Equals one helluva bunch of cars. Once the 7:30pm sailing left, they began preparing to load the 9:05. We were moved all of about 2 blocks closer to that terminal for that sailing. That's when I started to be extremely worried, seeming I was listening to AM730 on the radio, and hearing that all sailings out of Nanaimo were full for the night. Once the 9:05 sailing left, we were a bit closer to the terminal, I'd say closer to the "Anchorage Marina" sign, which is close to where the Nanaimo shipyard is I believe. By 9:30pm, we still weren't in the terminal, but was inching our way closer and closer, until we were finally in eye sight of the terminal. I was stopped just before the traffic light at Brechin Ave. My heart was racing, because the terminal was already empty, and the Oak Bay was looking like it was ready to go. But was then given the ok to drive to the toll booth. "Thank god", I said to myself. I purchased our ticket, and the toll booth lady then decided to tell me, "I doubt you'll get on this one, so head down Lane 9". My heart just sank into my stomach. I was of course short fused by this point, and just wanted to get home. So I was slowly making my way down the lane, thinking I wasn't getting on, and that there would be a later MD sailing. But then I noticed the Terminal telling me to hurry up, and was directing me towards the Ferry. I ended up making it on anyway, but, and was parked directly on the Gallery deck ramp at the stern. I was so relieved to be on that Oak Bay. She never lets me down, so I was suddenly excited once again.
I was on the Oak Bays 9:35pm sailing on the Canada Day long weekend, but on a Sunday. That sailing was nearly completely empty, and I had the ship to myself. This wasn't the case yesterday. I also knew we would be going slow across the Strait, because the Cowichan wasn't far ahead of us, and there was only enough terminal attendants at HSB to run the one ramp. It was a very enjoyable sailing, which was a nice and warm summer moonlight sailing. My favourite. Having the cute girl under my arm as we layed on the lifejacket locker watching the stars made it even better. I knew I was going to hate myself in the morning, because I knew I would arrive home late, and would get a short sleep before work. But I wasn't concerned anymore, once we arrived at HSB. I had to take Suzanne back home to Burnaby though, and all of my stress while waiting came back to haunt me a 3rd time, when the Police decided to close the Second Narrows Bridge, just shortly after midnight. I could see the cops blocking the highway, and thankfully I was stopped right beside the Main St. turn off in North Van, so I could double back to Lions Gate. AM730 on the radio said it was due to a "Police Incedent". This ordeal cost me an hour worth of sleep. I was happy once I was back on the Upper Levels highway, at 1:15am. You'd think I'd have a nice quiet drive home on the Sea to Sky highway by this point. Hah! Of course not, I have a curse! The Sea to Sky highway was CLOSED. But for construction, and would re-open again at 2:00am. Well this is just lovely, I'm stuck in a 4th lineup at 1:30am. I just happened to be parked directly above Horseshoe Bay, and then I suddently started to feel a faint grumbling noise. It was the Coastal Renaissance pulling out of Horseshoe Bay, deadheading back home to Departure Bay. Before I knew it, I was allowed through, and was able to rip home, in time to pull into the driveway at 2:30am. Woohoo, I have to be ready for work in 6 hours. It was painful to wake up for, but I somehow managed to work today, and thankfully we only worked 8 hours today
. So this wraps it up for my adventure from yesterday. I'm off to bed, to get some sleep.
) who would join me on romantic ferry sailings.
.
