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Post by Mike C on Jan 16, 2013 21:37:23 GMT -8
Townsite Brewing is one of my favourite local breweries here in BC. Their porter is fantastic.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 16, 2013 13:46:28 GMT -8
Happy birthday Brett!
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Post by Mike C on Jan 15, 2013 1:32:57 GMT -8
I do not have high confidence that this vessel will be back tomorrow... If they're canceling the first round trip, that indicates to me that the necessary repairs will not be completed overnight.
I'm hoping that this doesn't go completely WSF-style and knock the boat out for x-amount of weeks, but if it does, as Scott mentioned, things could get interesting. I guess we shall find out tomorrow.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 15, 2013 1:12:17 GMT -8
FH: thanks for clarifying. Uh, the fact that she hasn't been appearing in service... Maybe, the Burrard Otter is in less service since Dec 17th, 2012 compared to when Translink painted Burrard Beaver, in June 7, 2012 to December 17th, 2012. I think you're looking a little too far into it, AC. The answers to those questions are unknown, and probably irrelevant anyway. My suggestion to you would be to keep your eyes open for the Otter, and if she is in service, post that information here, and maybe take some photos if you have the opportunity.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 14, 2013 18:54:37 GMT -8
As an aside, I've been noticing pretty consistently that the Otter has not been appearing in service. What makes you say that? Uh, the fact that she hasn't been appearing in service...
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Post by Mike C on Jan 14, 2013 12:56:03 GMT -8
As an aside, I've been noticing pretty consistently that the Otter has not been appearing in service. As well, her AIS has been turned off. I am thinking that this vessel has been sidelined for relief service only, as we have long predicted.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 14, 2013 12:44:04 GMT -8
Deas is getting pretty crowded with Ferries right now. At the moment we have: Berth 1: Spirit of Vancouver Island Berth 2: Queen of Oak Bay Berth 3: Queen of Chilliwack Berth 4: Northern Adventure Berth 5/6: Tachek?? Berth 7: Powell River Queen Correct. That was the case as of 11:30 AM this morning. However, looking on Siitech, there are two tugs at Deas currently, and it looks like the SoVI may be on her way out... Late Edit: I mistook the tugs for the Oak Bay as tugs moving the SoVI. My mistake.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 11, 2013 11:44:05 GMT -8
I was just wondering if there has been any updates on the Seaspan Doris? I think I read that it was moored at North Van, is that still true? Is it basically retired from active duty? The Doris is still currently moored in North Vancouver, I am estimating about <1 km west of Lonsdale Quay SeaBus terminal. There have been no movements by this vessel within the past year or so, and is tied alongside other Seaspan vessels. I am assuming that this vessel has been retired from active service.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 10, 2013 17:09:28 GMT -8
I'm looking at my brand new Winter schedule right now and I'm wondering which super is On the cover - the long bulwark name's got me opting for the Kaleetan but it could be any other. Anyone has more info? I was also led to believe it was the Kaleetan, however could be convinced otherwise. It's a pretty old photo, judging by the scheme on the stacks.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 9, 2013 13:19:38 GMT -8
Well, to be honest, the DREAM will never disappear, but I've managed to tone myself down a bunch A man can dream I don't think anyone's imagination is coming into question here. Sorry for being a cynic, but I would really prefer to not see another Kalakala here in BC. I don't want to see anyone on this forum go homeless for the sake of a ferry. Anyone who has ever owned a boat or knows anyone who owns a boat knows the maintenance and cash involved in simply keeping it afloat, let alone a large, aged vessel that requires an amount of restoration.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 7, 2013 21:10:50 GMT -8
If a few of us guys got together, bought her as a group, and over the next while, slowly began restoration, we could go back to Blackball, BCFS etc. to obtain her old parts, re-assemble her, and THEN figure out what to do... No. Late edit: Actually I've changed my mind. I have here a $10 bill. If you restore the Sidney, I will pay for the final $10 of restoration. If you don't, I will be mailing it to the Liberal Party of BC. Choose wisely. ...and MileagePhoto, it's a difficult task, but NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE... That logic went straight over my head so I guess I can't argue. But I guess when you shoot for the moon and miss, you'll land among the stars. Or, in this case, in the Fraser River.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 7, 2013 17:46:14 GMT -8
OK, if she is only cosmetically challenged and hasnt been too gutted, it seems a shame to have survived all this time in one piece only to get hauled off to the scrap yard or sunk. I agree that the fresh water environment must have helped a bit. Anyone know if Jimmy Pattison is a history buff? Our Queen of Sidney needs a "Jimmy" and some partners to pony up a whole lot of green for the resto and a new place to call a permanent home with a new purpose. Anyone good at writing proposals?! What would she become? A museum and restaurant?! There is then just the small matter of where to build a dock suitable to moor her. I can assure you that this ship is plagued with far more issues than just the cosmetics. The whole reason she was retired in the first place was because of her asbestos issues, not to mention mold and the high likelihood of internal structural deficiencies. As Scott mentioned earlier in this thread, I would not go on board this vessel without a hazmat suit and biohazard mask. Going on board poses a risk to personal safety. I can't reiterate this enough - the Sidney was part of my childhood and it pains me to see this vessel to go to scrap/artificial reef, however that is the best option at this point. The idea of trying to save a vessel long after it can be saved with extreme financial burden is called 'Kalakala Syndrome' Re. Jim Pattison: he is interested in ventures that make money. This would consume a huge amount of capital with a minimal return (the restaurant/food industry has extremely slim margins, museums must be run as non-profits). He is interested in history, and does invest in it, but I don't think this is a venture that would be worth it.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 7, 2013 12:21:01 GMT -8
Does anyone know where Tachek is, re her refit. ie. still at Deas? Or maybe she's at Point Hope Shipyard already? Tachek is currently at Deas as of this morning. I guess she has her AIS turned off.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 7, 2013 12:20:08 GMT -8
This system seems a bit odd.
I am a bit conservative as, like several others on this forum, have memorized the "important" sailings for Routes 5 and 9, and actually CAN predict where the ferry is going when. This prediction is actually made primarily based on a document that is published on their website called a "schedule". After reading this document, I find it quite easy to predict where the ferry is headed ;D
Your system requires a transfer at Sturdies Bay where the facilities simply do not exist for doing this, as opposed to Village Bay, which is designed for handling transfer traffic. I am also a little lost on how you plan on getting foot passengers from Swartz Bay to any other Gulf Island besides Saltspring.
The "weighing destinations" option seems ridiculous. There goes any predictability or reliability, out the window.
Also, Saltspring Island does not have the road infrastructure to handle all of those vehicles traveling across the island between terminals. The roads in Ganges are quite clogged as it is, so the notion of forcing people to travel across the island is insane.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 6, 2013 17:38:09 GMT -8
Some shots from while I was in Seattle last weekend... Photo heavy, so my apologies...[/b] Space Needle - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Seattle Waterfront by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Alaskan Way - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Pike Place Market - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Pike Place Market - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Post Alley - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Post Alley - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Wenatchee - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr
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Post by Mike C on Jan 6, 2013 1:32:57 GMT -8
Why is BC ferries making the Queen of Coquitlam sail the morning sailing from Departure Bay and the Queen of Cowichan sailing the afternoon sailing from Departure Bay? It shows that on the schedule page on their website. The Coquitlam is currently at Deas. I have no idea why the Travel Center says that.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 5, 2013 20:01:54 GMT -8
She's still looking sharp at least from the Starboard Still looking sharp??? You need glasses, man! Seriously Wow.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 18:16:13 GMT -8
I have made my appeal, Jimmy Wales style, on the forum Twitter page. A tad desperate, but it will all be worth it in the end.
We are doing a good job of distancing ourselves from the Runescapers, but still not quite there yet with the NotMSNMoney forum...
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 17:44:07 GMT -8
For the next 12 months, I am going to be cycling through a new signature picture each month, as a sort-of tribute to the decade this forum has existed. Each month will be a new 'keyword' relating to ferry travel: Jan - Adventure Feb - Evergreen Mar - Experiences Apr - History May - Blue Canoes Jun - Travel Jul - Destinations Aug - Navigation Sept - Connections Oct - Exploration Nov - Waves Dec - Dogwood Cheesy? Absolutely. A make-work project for myself? Yeah probably. This month:
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 15:20:42 GMT -8
Thanks Steve! Excellent photos of the finest vessel in the fleet, guys! Who me, Brasegali, MileagePhoto or ever one? Thank you. I think when he said "guys" he was referring to everyone who had posted photos recently.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 15:07:48 GMT -8
Kaleetan - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Kaleetan - Seattle by MileagePhoto, on Flickr Funny story about the Kaleetan, when we took her back to Bremerton on the 12:50 AM from the New Years festivities in Seattle... While in dock (Berth 1), the foot passenger overhead walkway packed it in, causing the ship to be delayed about 25 minutes. This worked out well, however, as there was a steady stream of stragglers. The following day, the Kaleetan utilized Berth 2 at Coleman Dock.
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 15:03:14 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 15:00:45 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 14:59:41 GMT -8
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Post by Mike C on Jan 2, 2013 12:54:09 GMT -8
After reading through those other forums, there is no reason that we should have been bumped to fourth place. Especially after reading a thread about Hillary Clinton's secretive Muslim affiliations to avoid testifying on Benghazi.
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