My trip to see the NORTHERN EXPEDITION

[FNS]

Greetings, folks!

Here are some pictures I took on my trip to Port Hardy to see the new NORTHERN EXPEDITION.

FRIDAY MAY 15 2009

SEATTLE TO VANCOUVER
Train AMTRAK 510

CYVR to CYBL
Pacific Coastal Airlines

The trip started out great. We left Seattle right on time and arrived Pacific Central Station a bit early. I then took transit over to CYVR for my flight to CYBL. Had an egg muffin on the train and a turkey sandwich in the South Terminal at CYVR.

The flight out of CYVR was very beautiful. I did see the COASTAL INSPIRATION and QUEEN OF ALBERNI pass each other. Texada Island was neat. Did see both the Comox and Powell River terminals out of each side of the plane. The arrival at CYBL was fun and we used Runway 29. We used Runway 26L at CYVR.

After settling in at Campbell River, I did two round trips aboard the POWELL RIVER QUEEN. This was my first ride aboard this class of vessel in the BC Ferries fleet, and I really wish she could be the interim ferry on the Keystone run. Great ferry!

Regretfully, my HP digital camera crashed after getting to Campbell River. No travel pictures (except one using a cell phone of my train at Pacific Central Station) from Seattle to CR and aboard the PRQ. The next best thing is to link you to a previous trip I took to Vancouver by train in 2007. The scenery was about the same, except that the SPOKANE and EVERGREEN STATE were at Bellingham besides the COLUMBIA on this current trip.

ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=nonBCF&action=display&thread=493


A cell phone picture of my train at Pacific Central Station.

The other next best thing is to recreate and show you my flight to CYBL on FSX.


This was taken after I returned from Port Hardy. This was the plane I took to CYBL. The aircraft was a Shorts 360. I dub this plane "Pacific Coastal Skier" for our ski instructing fellow on this forum.


This is my plane in FSX.


We held short of 26L for traffic.


Runway 26L cleared for takeoff.


We are off. That's Howe Sound.


Leaving CYVR behind. Yes, this "flying piano" or "flying box car" does get people from one place to another! ;D


We now head northwest.


Howe Sound.


Nanaimo.


Turning right. Texada Island is ahead.


We passed Texada Island on her east side.


Jervis Inlet.


Turning left to Comox.


Powell River is behind us.


Turning final.


Campbell River is ahead.

CYBL as seen on airliners.net
www.airliners.net/photo/-/-/1525599/L/&sid=c6619d751654fa03d752994e9566ee0e


My plane is on the ground at CYBL.

My plane in action at CYBL from airliners.net
www.airliners.net/photo/Pacific-Coastal-Airlines/Short-360-300/1364598/L/&sid=cfe528ef053ae0591d084ba7f87d5a19


A cell phone picture of a cruise ship passing Campbell River.

Time for some sleep. Have a great bus ride the next day!

[FNS]

SATURDAY MAY 16 2009

Today, I take Greyhound from Campbell River to Port Hardy.






Here I am at Campbell River. And, with a new Canon camera I got from a merchant in the complex as seen above.


MV POWELL RIVER QUEEN heads to Quadra Island.


A beautiful mountain.


The POWELL RIVER QUEEN heads for Quadra.


She is turning into Quathiaski Cove.


Now, you see her. Now, you don't!


However, many good things always return!


Another trip ends.


Before I check out, I capture a tug and tow just for you!


While some trips are ending, my next journey is beginning. My hotel in Campbell River. This is the Coast Discovery Inn. I was on the top floor. I'm now walking a short distance to the Greyhound station.


Here is my bus. I'm doing what junior hockey teams do. Ride the bus!


The Campbell River Greyhound station. This is also a Greyhound package express agency where you can ship boxes to many places Greyhound serve.

THE BELOW PICTURES ARE OF THE SCENERY THAT IS ENJOYED BY NATURE LOVERS LIKE ME. I'LL LET THESE SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

























NOW, BACK TO NARRATION.


Welcome to Port McNeill!


We made a station stop in Port McNeill. Didn't see the QUADRA QUEEN II, though.


BEAR SIGHTING!!!
This was seen shortly before arriving Port Hardy.


We are now in Port Hardy! Making a station stop at the terminal to let off some "northern adventurers". The NORTHERN ADVENTURE is in the dock.


And, there she is! My first sighting of the new NORTHERN EXPEDITION through my naked eyes!! This is my first sighting of the NA through my naked eyes, too!


The NORTHERN ADVENTURE in the dock.


WELCOME TO PORT HARDY!
My first visit to this town.


AND, HERE WE ARE AT LONG LAST! The NORTHERN EXPEDITION is anchored alongside a sailboat. The NORTHERN ADVENTURE is at the terminal.


Two variations of anchored floating objects.


Guess what we see...
The "BUILT BY FLENSBURGER" remains painted on the NE's hull!!


The north coast scenery.


The Port Hardy Greyhound Station. I get to re-board this bus and head for the Glen Lyon Inn. The bus drivers stay there before taking the wheel of these chariots back down Vancouver Island the next day.


Time for a good old fashioned northern Vancouver Island hamburger! The restaurant at my hotel resembles a rounded observatory of classic passenger ships of yesteryears.


The NORTHERN ADVENTURE sails. She has a single whistle. Sounds horrible!


She heads out on another northern adventure.


Fun and games. Look what's playing "Hide and Seek"!


Our new northern favourite!!


We see both northern ships through the same lens.


The NORTHERN EXPEDITION re-enters the cove after having fun outside.


What a nice looking ship!

WE NOW SEE THE NORTHERN EXPEDITION MAKE HER STERN-FIRST ARRIVAL AT BEAR COVE TERMINAL IN THE BELOW PHOTOS.



















TIME FOR A SWING BEFORE I RETIRE TO MY BERTH FOR THE NIGHT.


Here I am at a nice park in downtown Port Hardy. Time to frame the NORTHERN EXPEDITION within play equipment.


Nice capture!


Swing, swing, swing!


The NORTHERN EXPEDITION is nicely framed under the sign.

FINAL CAPTURES FOR MAY 16, 2009.

[Kahloke]

Nice photos and Flight Sim screen captures. The open house was definitely a fun event. I'm glad I went.

[FNS]

SUNDAY MAY 17 2009

Today, I get to go aboard the MV NORTHERN EXPEDITION for the first time and explore the new ship.


Time for some delicious French Toast in the dining room.






A cruise ship passes by. Time for me to catch my taxi cab to the NORTHERN EXPEDITION!


Here I am at the Bear Cove Terminal. The NE is nearly ready for her Open Ship.








ALL ABOARD!

I now direct you to this thread for my Open Ship photos. This thread is heavily loaded with pictures. You'll need time for this page to load. Enjoy the tour!

ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=4509&page=2


Open Ship is done. Mr. Musical Moderator takes me back to the hotel.


An eagle is out my window.


What a beautiful day in Port Hardy!


Yes, there's still a "Maggie" on Vancouver Island. This is the MAGGIE SCOTT. Though not like the PRINCESS MARGUERITE, this is still a pretty vessel to look at.

I now head over to the Quarterdeck Inn and enjoy lunch and fellowship with my Forum friends.










Sunset at Port Hardy.


The Glen Lyon Inn.


Had to catch a wave from the Maple Leaf!


The back side of the Inn.


Same.


It's 2230PDT and there was still a bit of daylight. Time for me to eat my leftover chicken fettuccine I had the night before. Then, it's bedtime as I have an early wakeup call in the morning and a taxi ride to the terminal to see the NE off.

FINAL CAPTURES FOR THIS DAY.

[FNS]

MONDAY MAY 18 2009

HAPPY 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR TOP BEING BLOWN OFF, MOUNT SAINT HELENS!

Today is get away for two of us. The NORTHERN EXPEDITION from Port Hardy on her inaugural trip of a promising career. The other is myself on my way back to Seattle.


A Greyhound bus is parked outside the hotel. The driver spends the night at the Glen Lyon Inn before taking that rig back down the Island the next day.


I take the taxi cab to the terminal.

I now direct you to this thread for the departure pictures and videos of the inaugural sailing of the NORTHERN EXPEDITION.

ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=photos&action=display&thread=4575


I'm now back in my hotel. A fishing vessel is at work.

Below is one last pan of the area before I must check out and head to CYZT.












The SEA CAT.


Poor fish.


Nice to see an eagle, though! Very beautiful creatures.


Parting captures of Port Hardy.


Many thanks for your great hospitality.


At CYZT. My first time at this airport, besides CYBL.


Touchdown, Runway 29. My plane lands.


Rolling out on the runway.


At the end of the runway, the Saab plane will turn left and pass in front of me.


There she is. It's time for some golfing! I dub this plane "TEE (a device you put your ball on) FORE (what you yell when you swing the club) ONE (a takeoff from AIR FORCE ONE). ;D


My plane is about ready for me to board.


The terminal building. I'm now aboard this plane. First time aboard a Saab!


A Grumman Goose.


Taxi to Runway 29.


Runway 29 cleared for takeoff.


We are off!


GOODBYE, PORT HARDY! SEE YOU AGAIN SOON!!


Continuing our right turn.


The mainland.


Numas Island.


Over Malcolm Island.


Some land formation below. Can't tell exactly where.


Some whiteness below.


Now nearing Langdale.






The MV QUEEN OF COQUITLAM in the dock in Langdale.


Howe Sound.


Exiting Howe Sound. We are now vectoring towards CYVR.


Gear is down. Flaps are set for landing. A tug is pushing a barge. We are aiming for Runway 8L.


However, we are side stepping to Runway 8R. 8R is closer to the South Terminal at CYVR.


Coming up to Sea Island.


Touchdown CYVR!


Grouse Mountain under deteriorating conditions.


Back at the South Terminal. I take a shuttle to the Main Terminal for my flights to KPDX and KSEA.


That's the plane that took me to CYBL.


And, this is the plane that brought me back to CYVR.

THIS CONCLUDES THIS PART OF MY RETURN TO SEATTLE. MY TRIPS TO PORTLAND AND SEATTLE WILL BE PRESENTED ON A LATER DATE.