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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 13:25:30 GMT -8
On Saturday, February 7, 2009, I took a trip on the MV Frances Barkley. The 'Barkley is run by Lady Rose Marine Services in Port Alberni, BC. Here is their website: www.ladyrosemarine.com/index.htmlMy day started when I left Nanaimo at 6:00am on Saturday, parked at foggy Alberni Quay, and bought my ticket just after 7:00am. After I arrived, I wandered the dock to take pictures of the no-longer-running MV Lady Rose. See this thread for pictures: ferriesbc.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=qa&action=display&thread=4448---------- My sailing was a typical off-season Saturday: Depart PORT ALBERNI............ 8:00a.m. Arrive KILDONAN............ 10:00a.m. Arrive BAMFIELD............ 12:30p.m. Depart BAMFIELD............ 1:30p.m. Arrive PORT ALBERNI............ 5:00p.m The schedule will add various stops based on passenger / freight requests, so each trip is unique. For my trip, we also stopped at Haggard Cove and at Tzartus Island Camp. We actually arrived back in Port Alberni at 3:30pm, ahead of schedule. The morning was foggy in Port Alberni, and the fog lifted after we were past Sproat Narrows. We had 11 passengers going outbound, and 13 passengers (and a cat) inbound. Outbound we dropped a lady and freight off at Kildonan, and dropped freight at Haggard Cove. In Bamfield, we dropped freight and all pax at West Bamfield (the non-road side of town) and then us return-pax had a 1 hour break on the boardwalk while the ship dropped freight at East Bamfield. After we were picked up at West Bamfield, we sailed east up the inlet, stopping at Tzartus Island to pick up 1 passenger. ----------------------- The company's operation is friendly in every way. Every person that I met was outgoing and very customer-service orientated (and that includes 100% of the ship's crew). My fare was $33-return, which is a 1/2 price sale (sale runs until end of February). The 'Barkley has a crew of 4 in off-season: Master, Mate, Deckhand and Engineer. In summer, they add 1 cook. The ship was built in Norway in the 1950's and was a car-ferry (stern loading only). In 1990, the Lady Rose company bought her and brought her out (just 1 year before the 'Chilliwack). The 'Barkley's Engineer told me about the 1990 transfer trip, and also told me that he was part of the 1991 Chilliwack transfer-voyage from Panama up to Victoria, and then he also worked on the 'Wack's conversion at Point Hope Shipyards. Mr. Engineer most recently worked on the Queen of Cumberland. A great guy. ------------------ My MV Frances Barkley pictures will be shown in following posts on this thread, sorted by theme, with commentary.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 14:30:11 GMT -8
Here are some photos and comments on the ship itself. Here's what the company website says about her: Here is my summary of her deck layout: - Deck 1: engine room at stern end. Hatched cargo hold at bow end. - Deck 2: Formerly the car-deck at stern end. Now there is a small aft deck by the zodiac, and then the galley and eating-area and heads midships. Just ahead of midships is the open cargo deck, with a covered cargo-area at the bow, under the forecastle. - Deck 3: Passenger deck: aft is outside promenade with some benches. Midships is the pax lounge with cushioned chairs (fastened down in rows of 2 each on the perimeter) and some bench-style cushioned seating with tables in the middle. Forward of this is the empty space above the cargo deck, and forward of that is the boom-crane on the forecastle. - Deck 4: An outside stairs takes you up to the top deck. There is the funnel in the middle, with the canned-life-rafts on either side, plus a few outside benches. Midships is the bridge cabin, which has a rounded shape that resembles a VW Beetle or a Boler trailer. There is an open bridge-wing on either side, and passengers are allowed to stand at the wings (except when docking). There was freedom for passengers to roam almost anywhere on the ship: For me, the only off-limits areas were the cargo deck, forecastle, crew staircase, galley, ladies head, etc. I visited both the engine room & bridge-cabin with permission (welcoming permission where they asked me if I'd like to come in......the Route-40 Queen of Chilliwack this is not ;D). So here are my pictures of the ship itself: ------------------------------------- Here is the early morning shot at Port Alberni dock, with the gangway leading to the aft-end of Deck3. Below the gangway are the portholes in the eating-area near the galley. Here is the main passenger lounge, on Deck 3. In the middle is the staircase that leads to the galley & heads below. And here is the galley lounge on Deck 2 (formerly the car deck). Here is the galley itself, with the summer menu board: The company left some of the Norwegian signs on the ship. I think it adds to the character: The view forward, showing the boom-crane on the forecastle: A couple shots of the Deck-2 cargo deck (the Deck-1 hold is under a hatch, below this). On the starboard side is a dumpster, destined for Bamfield. I think that Bamfield has 2 dumpsters, and 1 is always going to or from on the ship. This is the empty one coming back to Bamfield...... And a closer look at what some of the cargo actually is.... ;D ---------------- Here is the bridge-cabin: ------------------ Here's the aft-end of Deck-2, the old ferry car-deck. The open door leads down to the engine-room: And here is the engine:
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 14:57:08 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 15:06:00 GMT -8
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Feb 8, 2009 16:01:19 GMT -8
Here are some photos and comments on the ship itself. Here's what the company website says about her: Here is my summary of her deck layout: - Deck 1: engine room at stern end. Hatched cargo hold at bow end. - Deck 2: Formerly the car-deck at stern end. Now there is a small aft deck by the zodiac, and then the galley and eating-area and heads midships. Just ahead of midships is the open cargo deck, with a covered cargo-area at the bow, under the forecastle. - Deck 3: Passenger deck: aft is outside promenade with some benches. Midships is the pax lounge with cushioned chairs (fastened down in rows of 2 each on the perimeter) and some bench-style cushioned seating with tables in the middle. Forward of this is the empty space above the cargo deck, and forward of that is the boom-crane on the forecastle. - Deck 4: An outside stairs takes you up to the top deck. There is the funnel in the middle, with the canned-life-rafts on either side, plus a few outside benches. Midships is the bridge cabin, which has a rounded shape that resembles a VW Beetle or a Boler trailer. There is an open bridge-wing on either side, and passengers are allowed to stand at the wings (except when docking). There was freedom for passengers to roam almost anywhere on the ship: For me, the only off-limits areas were the cargo deck, forecastle, crew staircase, galley, ladies head, etc. I visited both the engine room & bridge-cabin with permission (welcoming permission where they asked me if I'd like to come in......the Route-40 Queen of Chilliwack this is not ;D). So here are my pictures of the ship itself: ------------------------------------- A couple shots of the Deck-2 cargo deck (the Deck-1 hold is under a hatch, below this). On the starboard side is a dumpster, destined for Bamfield. I think that Bamfield has 2 dumpsters, and 1 is always going to or from on the ship. This is the empty one coming back to Bamfield...... And here is the engine: This is a neat ship. I hope to ride her one day. I like the observatory. The crew need some improved safety on the forecastle. As you can see, there are breaks in the railing at the aft corners. Some chains or ropes need to be in place. I wouldn't want to fall to the deck below. Are those exposed rocker arms we see on her engine? If so, this reminds me of the MV VASHON. The VASHON had a Washington Iron Works Estep engine with eight cylinders and exposed rocker arms. I never got tired in riding the VASHON. I loved her woodworks and her engine! You've got me intrigued in riding the MV FRANCES BARKLEY.
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Post by WettCoast on Feb 8, 2009 17:35:18 GMT -8
Regarding this vessel's name... just who is/was Frances Barkley? The answer: The first European woman to see this part of the North American west coast, more than two hundred years ago. She was the wife of one William Barkley, captain of the English trading ship the Imperial Eagle. For more on this remarkable woman open this link.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 17:40:18 GMT -8
Boat-Day at Kildonan: Boat-Day happens 3 times per week for the little settlement at Kildonan. The main point of commerce on the waterfront is the floating post-office. On my trip, we stopped at Kildonan on our outbound trip, dropping off 1 person and some freight & mail. We tied up at the post-office, and another resident also picked up fuel in his small boat on the other side of our ship (so we were servicing the community from both sides of our ship). Here are the pictures: Approaching the post-office, next to the footings of the old cannery: Here's the guy waiting to take some fuel, on the ship's other side: Here is the post-office: Why would you live in Kildonan? Here's the view:
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 18:10:28 GMT -8
Boat-Day in Haggard Cove: We stopped here while outbound, and dropped off 1 pallet of freight to a waiting "barge". All the houses in this settlement had their materials barged in by this ship (or the Lady Rose). Approaching the small dock to tie-up, we come close to the point of land. That sort of reminds me of what I've read about the Union Steamships: And just like in Union Steamship days, the people are waiting and ready for the boat to arrive, and meet the boat out on the water. The ship's boom-crane gets into action and lifts the pallet onto the waiting barge. Freight received, and the owner turns to head back to shore. And what does "shore" look like? Here is the downtown waterfront, before the glass condo towers: ------------------- Bonus pic: Boat-Day at Tzartus Island Camp: - just 2 guys on a wharf, one guy seeing the other worker and his box-of-goods off.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 18:20:58 GMT -8
Boat-Day at West Bamfield was the busiest of them all. We were greeted by a truck on the wharf, dollies, and people and dogs. Later, the fire-dept brought their small boat to pick up their special pallet of cargo (I think I had a close-up picture of that cargo in an earlier post ;D). The crew had their safety-first vests and yellow hard-hats on, and the boom-crane swung the dumpster and mail-cart onto the wharf. When I walked by the general store a few moments later (along the fine board walk), there was a "Closed, for freight receiving" sign on the door. Boat-day is an important event. --------------------------------------- Approaching the wharf (I was unable to take pictures of us approaching Data, Pickard and LaForge ;D). ---------------- Boom-crane working:
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 8, 2009 18:34:21 GMT -8
Last posting of trip pictures: Scenery along the way.... One of the narrows in Alberni Inlet, just an hour or less from Port Alberni (Stamp Narrows or Sproat Narrows) Heading towards Bamfield, with the open entrance to Barkley Sound ahead: The Red&White food market complex at West Bamfield, with their red & white grocery delivery-boat (I think this whole operation is taxpayer funded ;D) : Light-marker, just outside Bamfield harbour (thank-you Canon zoom). Looking north, towards Toquart on north-shore of Barkley Sound: Looking south across Barkley Sound, taken from near Tzartus Island Camp. I didn't notice the gull until after. Heading home, approximately 1 hour from Port Alberni. Approaching one of the narrows.
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Post by Taxman on Feb 8, 2009 19:04:40 GMT -8
It wouldn't be Alberni without a good cloud cover.
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Post by Esquimalt Queen on Feb 8, 2009 20:47:57 GMT -8
Wow, Mr. Horn, those are wonderful photos, and I quite enjoyed your trip report! I wouldn't mind checking out this ship some time.
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Feb 8, 2009 22:45:14 GMT -8
Thank you for a most excellent report, Mr Horn, and nice camera work.
One thing that strikes me is the battered look of the hull plating on both the Frances Barkley and the Lady Rose. I wonder if that's decades of bumps and bruises, or the countless chipped off paint jobs, or both.
Those boats are honest workhorses. The poor old 'Rose deserves her rest, and a dignified retirement.
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Post by Ferryman on Feb 8, 2009 23:20:12 GMT -8
Mr. Horn, superb trip report, and Photos! I'm impressed you found yourself a digital camera!
The Frances Barkley seriously reminds me of the MV North Island Princess (Island Princess), pre-catamaranization. Very neat looking little ship.
The old couple on the dock float with the outboard engine on the end was pretty amusing to see. I don't see the logic in that other than it would be easier to stand on than compared to a small boat.
I think Haggard Cove is the type of area I'd like to live in when I'm old and retired. One of those secluded little villages, while living a cottage on the waterfront, and having a little boat tied up at the shore to go cruising in.
-Ferryman dreaming of retirement after life at sea, while beginning life at sea.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 9, 2009 5:25:05 GMT -8
The Frances Barkley seriously reminds me of the MV North Island Princess (Island Princess), pre-catamaranization. Very neat looking little ship. It's funny that you should say that; it was my thought exactly when I looked through Flug's photos. lol...I think Flug may be making up for lost camera time now, too...that I can understand 1500 plus pics since Oct on my DSLR. heh heh...time for a new hard drive soon to store all the pics. ;D
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 9, 2009 19:24:23 GMT -8
Thanks for all the kind words. Trip blogging is fun, and the camera makes it more fun. I enjoy the slower-paced, off the beaten-path kind of trips. The one was really enjoyable. I recommend it to everyone.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 14, 2009 14:21:35 GMT -8
Here's a close-up of the starboard side, showing the outline of where 2 doors used to be.
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rt1commuter
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Post by rt1commuter on Feb 18, 2009 9:47:00 GMT -8
If you live in Victoria, you can see that ship almost every year as it goes in for a refit at Point Hope.
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Post by Shane on Feb 23, 2009 11:14:34 GMT -8
Loving the pics, Flugel! I enjoyed looking at these pictures alot. My family on my dad's side were some of the first settlers in Bamfield actually. They came to British Columbia in the early 1900's. The picture below was really neat considering my great grandma's house was right beside the coast guard station.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 23, 2009 19:45:47 GMT -8
Loving the pics, Flugel! I enjoyed looking at these pictures alot. My family on my dad's side were some of the first settlers in Bamfield actually. They came to British Columbia in the early 1900's. The picture below was really neat considering my great grandma's house was right beside the coast guard station. Here are some close-ups of the area, for you:
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 26, 2009 3:36:26 GMT -8
Loving the pics, Flugel! I enjoyed looking at these pictures alot. My family on my dad's side were some of the first settlers in Bamfield actually. They came to British Columbia in the early 1900's. The picture below was really neat considering my great grandma's house was right beside the coast guard station. Here are some close-ups of the area, for you: Cleaned the second one up for you a bit:
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Post by Low Light Mike on Feb 26, 2009 6:12:08 GMT -8
Cleaned the second one up for you a bit: I had messed-it-up on purpose, trying to lighten it so that Shane might be better able to see his ancestors' house. Too funny.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Feb 27, 2009 12:26:25 GMT -8
Cleaned the second one up for you a bit: I had messed-it-up on purpose, trying to lighten it so that Shane might be better able to see his ancestors' house. Too funny. lol...I guess I needed a little enlightenment too!
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 3, 2009 17:46:20 GMT -8
A couple more pictures from my Feb.09 F'Barkley trip. Since that trip, I've learned to adjust my photo's rotation angle and to sharpen the pictures and adjust contrast. So here's a better view of Frances' rear end.
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FNS
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Post by FNS on Jul 3, 2009 19:07:24 GMT -8
A couple more pictures from my Feb.09 F'Barkley trip. Since that trip, I've learned to adjust my photo's rotation angle and to sharpen the pictures and adjust contrast. So here's a better view of Frances' rear end. OOPS! I guess that you meant "aft end" or "stern". ;D
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