|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jan 2, 2012 22:29:52 GMT -8
Scott, re the location for this shot: - I'm guessing that it's easier to time a photo of an inbound ferry, rather than the sudden-emergence of an outbound ferry. Or is it easy to hear the sound of the approaching outbound ship? What's the access point to this location? Is it a public-access trail on Planta Rd? - clues please....it looks like a nice spot, especially during the Duke Point closure. That particular shot was taken from a small public access area off of Stephenson Point Road. maps.google.com/?ll=49.211221,-123.946717&spn=0.000002,0.001316&t=h&z=20&vpsrc=6&layer=c&cbll=49.211221,-123.946717&panoid=4AR0Q4Ac-tDDO5LC2aawdg&cbp=12,114.98,,0,18.9 Walk down the wooden stairs to the enclosed landing, hop over the railing and walk (carefully) to the rocky shore. This location is in close proximity to other public accesses that have a view of the terminal itself, but you can hear the sounds of outbound ferries from anywhere on the shores of Stephenson Point. |
|
|
|
Post by Low Light Mike on Jan 5, 2012 12:27:08 GMT -8
Just bumping this because it's such an awesome photo with the unique view from the east end of the pass, with the 2 ships perfectly placed. Mr. Coast, what was your location? Somewhere on land between Miners Bay and Georgina Point? Passing Spirits... Direct this afternoon from Mayne Island, Active Pass...  From the JST Flickr photo site © |
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jan 5, 2012 21:05:09 GMT -8
Just bumping this because it's such an awesome photo with the unique view from the east end of the pass, with the 2 ships perfectly placed. Mr. Coast, what was your location? Somewhere on land between Miners Bay and Georgina Point? Passing Spirits... Direct this afternoon from Mayne Island, Active Pass... From the JST Flickr photo site ©Just back home following three days on the road... I have been thinking about my 2011 ferry related highlights and I had thought that I might suggest this 'Passing Spirits' photo as my favourite of the year. It was shot from the road between Miners Bay and Georgina Point, perhaps 500 metres from the Miners Bay end. There is a pull off on the water side of the road just big enough for one, maybe two, cars. This is not far from the country Anglican church along that road. Another notable thing about this photo is that the Fraser River was in full spring discharge at the time and its mucky discoloured water was extending out across the strait all the way into Active Pass, hence the coloration that you see. I did use a polarizing filter for this shot. That day on Mayne Island was certainly a highlight of my year that was. |
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Jul 11, 2012 10:44:52 GMT -8
Hello everyone,
I hope this is an appropriate spot to ask for some suggestions for a little British Columbia ferry spotting vacation for 2 or 3 days, maybe longer. I’m thinking of driving up from Seattle to get some of my own photos to use for the Sketchup ferry models I’ve been making. I thought that I could start out by driving to Tsawwassen, taking one of the ferries, but beyond that I have not made any plans. For the models I need a good bow on shot, one from dead astern, and one from directly abeam, at a distance so I can fill the frame without having to use excessive zoom. It would also be great to ride that ferry or her sistership to get detail shots. Getting all the shots I need for one or two boats would be more important than photographing a large number of ferries.
Any suggestions of where I might go, which ferries to take greatly appreciated!
Larry
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 11, 2012 11:05:28 GMT -8
Hello everyone, I hope this is an appropriate spot to ask for some suggestions for a little British Columbia ferry spotting vacation for 2 or 3 days, maybe longer. I’m thinking of driving up from Seattle to get some of my own photos to use for the Sketchup ferry models I’ve been making. I thought that I could start out by driving to Tsawwassen, taking one of the ferries, but beyond that I have not made any plans. For the models I need a good bow on shot, one from dead astern, and one from directly abeam, at a distance so I can fill the frame without having to use excessive zoom. It would also be great to ride that ferry or her sistership to get detail shots. Getting all the shots I need for one or two boats would be more important than photographing a large number of ferries. Any suggestions of where I might go, which ferries to take greatly appreciated! Larry What specific BC Ferries vessels are you hoping to model in Sketchup? |
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Jul 11, 2012 12:27:06 GMT -8
No definite plans for which BC Ferries to model next, although a screenshots of a number I've done are linked on this page: ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=nonBCF&action=display&thread=7880&page=1More on page 2 of this thread also. I would not mind re-doing some that I've done if I had higher resolution photos, eg the Bowen Queen, the Queen of Nanaimo, the Queen of Cumberland, and maybe even the Spirit of Vancouver Island which I just completed. (I think the MV Tenaka model is OK for now.) But doing one that I've not done would be fun too, after I finish the MV Walla Walla, my current project that is. This is not a very definitive answer I know, but I guess my general goal is to have at least plausable models for all the automated Pacific Northwest ferry routes in Microsoft Flight Simulator and also Prepar3D. I'm trying for the maximum 'level of detail' I can get away with in the sim. Hope this helps, Larry |
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 11, 2012 14:23:09 GMT -8
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2012 18:05:22 GMT -8
Never been to Galiano before, but I know the distance to Bellhouse from the terminal is 1.9 km. That should be easily walkable.
Another great spot is Galiano Bluffs Park (so i've heard), but that's quite a ways from the terminal so you'll need a car if you go there. You could cycle too if you want to avoid the extremely high route 9 vehicle fares, but then again, i'm unaware of the difficulty and distance to the Bluffs.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scott (Former Account) on Jul 11, 2012 19:12:50 GMT -8
Never been to Galiano before, but I know the distance to Bellhouse from the terminal is 1.9 km. That should be easily walkable. Another great spot is Galiano Bluffs Park (so i've heard), but that's quite a ways from the terminal so you'll need a car if you go there. You could cycle too if you want to avoid the extremely high route 9 vehicle fares, but then again, i'm unaware of the difficulty and distance to the Bluffs. The distance from the terminal at Sturdies Bay to Bellhouse Park is definitely walkable. However, Bellhouse Park will not provide the "head-on" bow and stern shots that you will see at the cemetery, which is located near Collinson Reef. The cemetery is at the opposite end of Active Pass and would be a very, very long walk to and from Sturdies Bay. The Bluffs has an awesome view, but it is high above the action and might not provide the ideal shots for Larry's project. If he does decide on a trip to Galiano Island and has some spare time, it's definitely worth checking out. Here's an example of the view from The Bluffs.  BC Ferries - Queen of New Westminster in Active Pass. by BCFS, on Flickr |
|
|
|
Post by Scott on Jul 11, 2012 21:52:04 GMT -8
At Tsawwassen terminal, it's possible to get some decent head-on bow shots, but probably not stern, unless you have a good zoom to catch them (the Spirits or Queen of New West) as they turn around heading out.
If you're looking at the minor ferries like the Queen of Cumberland or Queen of Nanaimo, some of the smaller terminals have some good viewpoints. Village Bay and Otter Bay (I think) would provide decent vantage points for head-on or bow or stern shots. Again, for the minor vessels, Bellhouse Park is a good vantage point for watching them turn, sometimes sitting off the terminal waiting for another ferry to leave.
Swartz Bay terminal isn't a great spot for unobstructed views.
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Jul 12, 2012 6:03:31 GMT -8
Thank you so much fellows!
This is immensely helpful; even right here in Seattle it’s taken me the longest time to figure out where to get the WSF shots I want. :-) I’ll have my car so getting around will not be a problem. How heavy is the ferry traffic in say mid-September? Are there days and times to avoid? I’ll see what I can figure out from the BC ferry schedules; perhaps I could stop at Galiano and then go to Ganges for the night if that’s possible. I’ve not been to Ganges in years and would love to go back. From there it looks like I could take the Pender – Swartz Bay route, or the Vesuvius – Crofton ferry, and perhaps then the Sidney Anacortes ferry to make somewhat of a round trip, if it’s logistically possible that is. And if I stayed a night in Victoria maybe I could get some good shots of the Black Ball ferry from the Inner Harbour or from Otter Point.
Those are really great shots Scott and sccommuter. I’ll consider myself lucky if I get anything close. Thanks for taking the trouble to post them!
Larry
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2012 7:36:16 GMT -8
Thank you so much fellows! This is immensely helpful; even right here in Seattle it’s taken me the longest time to figure out where to get the WSF shots I want. :-) I’ll have my car so getting around will not be a problem. How heavy is the ferry traffic in say mid-September? Are there days and times to avoid? I’ll see what I can figure out from the BC ferry schedules; perhaps I could stop at Galiano and then go to Ganges for the night if that’s possible. I’ve not been to Ganges in years and would love to go back. From there it looks like I could take the Pender – Swartz Bay route, or the Vesuvius – Crofton ferry, and perhaps then the Sidney Anacortes ferry to make somewhat of a round trip, if it’s logistically possible that is. And if I stayed a night in Victoria maybe I could get some good shots of the Black Ball ferry from the Inner Harbour or from Otter Point. Those are really great shots Scott and sccommuter. I’ll consider myself lucky if I get anything close. Thanks for taking the trouble to post them! Larry I can't take any credit for Scott's three awesome photos- I've never been to Galiano myself. In mid September, you might want to avoid Friday evening salings to the Gulf Islands. You also might want to avoid Sunday evening sailings heading back to Tsawwassen. If you have a reservation, which I strongly reccommend, then of course there's no need to worry about the traffic... Reservations are free on this route. I imagine that it's the same case for traffic to return to Swartz Bay from the Islands as well. (note: you can't reserve on the Swartz Bay-Gulf Islands route). I'm sure other members that sail on those routes more often can give you more details and sailings to avoid. |
|
|
|
Post by WettCoast on Jul 13, 2012 13:38:38 GMT -8
Ferry viewing from the Active Pass shoreline of Mayne Island is pretty much as good as from the opposite shoreline on Galiano, particularly around Miners Bay and the Georgina Point Light. Catching head on bow & stern shots can be easily done. These locations are a fair long hike from the Village Bay Terminal, however. A bike would be useful there. JST/WCK - Barcelona  Passing Spirits from Miners Bay, Mayne Island - 6 June 2011 [photo © JST] by Wett Coast, on Flickr[/size] |
|
|
|
Post by Mike C on Jul 13, 2012 14:01:42 GMT -8
Ferry viewing from the Active Pass shoreline of Mayne Island is pretty much as good as from the opposite shoreline on Galiano, particularly around Miners Bay and the Georgina Point Light. Catching head on bow & stern shots can be easily done. These locations are a fair long hike from the Village Bay Terminal, however. A bike would be useful there. JST/WCK - Barcelona Passing Spirits from Miners Bay, Mayne Island - 6 June 2011 [photo © JST] by Wett Coast, on Flickr [/size][/quote] I have always found Georgina Point to be exceptional, as it provides with a lot of lead-up opportunities to the ship entering Active Pass, as well as passing very close. Here is an example.  Queen of New Westminster by MileagePhoto, on Flickr It is also situated nearly directly across from Sturdies Bay, so there are some good opportunities for SGI ferries. These locations are a fair long hike from the Village Bay Terminal, however. A bike would be useful there. Biking on Mayne Island is extremely easy, with the hills being very gradual and the island's relatively small surface area. Miner's Bay is about a 10 minute ride from Village Bay, and Georgina Point is around 20-25. |
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Jul 14, 2012 16:50:16 GMT -8
Thanks again everyone! I would have been lost without this advice. And thanks WCK and MilagePhoto for suggesting Mayne Island. Based on the ferry schedules it looks like the best bet would be to find accommodation on either Galiano Island or Mayne Island. There are several suitable B & Bs on Galiano, but the Mayne Resort seems quite appealing. And there are several interesting restaurants on Mayne too based on what I found on the web. Has anyone stayed at the Mayne Resort? Active Pass must be a great place to photograph ferries! I’ll have my car but no bike; I trust there are places to park that are not too far from where I’d want to take my photos. Speaking of ferry photos I tried something new today, for me at least: a 90 degree HFOV panorama of the tunnel on the MV Walla Walla taken from the upper car deck. It’s hard to capture the feeling with a single shot I think.
Thanks once again!
|
|
Mayne
Voyager 
I come from a long line of sinners like me
Posts: 289 
|
Post by Mayne on Jul 15, 2012 21:07:23 GMT -8
The Mayne resort looks nice, never stayed there but have heard good things. The people that I know on the island have there friends say there when they come over.
|
|
Mayne
Voyager
I come from a long line of sinners like me
Posts: 289
|
Post by Mayne on Jul 15, 2012 21:24:14 GMT -8
And on that note, depending on the weekend if you were to tent it you could put one up at my place we are just a 10 min walk from the light house, you would have to deal with two dogs, two kids and wife. But you can lose them on the property easily
|
|
lar
Deckhand
Posts: 74
|
Post by lar on Jul 17, 2012 5:55:15 GMT -8
Thank you Mayne! That is so extraordinarily kind of you. Mayne Island it will be I think. And then perhaps on to Victoria, then back home via WSF. I’ve been meaning to have dinner in the main dining room of the Empress once again for quite a while now. I’ll send you a PM when it’s closer to the time I’m hoping to go.
Larry
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2012 22:24:16 GMT -8
Is there a way to get up onto the big hill just south-west of Horseshoe Bay, or is that all private land? You're referring to Tyee Point. Get onto Wellington Avenue, which you access from Marine Drive. Follow it until it makes a U-turn and becomes Madrona. At that point there is a rough trail which leads up the hill to the Telus installation, and a couple of pretty good viewpoints into the bay, up the sound, and out to the strait. Google Street View will show you the spot, at 6686 Wellington. The trail is to the right of the driveway with the blue box that curves upward to the left. According to the signs, it is private (Telus) property. I was there yesterday, and all I found was 3 signs saying "No Trespassing" etc, so I didn't bother exploring. There was a rough trail on the right on Wellingtion before it makes the U-turn... I turned back cause it looked like it leaded to a house, but I could be wrong. Is that the trail? I'm not one of those 'curious' types, so I decided it would be best to ask on the forum before going further. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2012 9:23:35 GMT -8
I was sure that there has to be some kind of service road to access the tower...
|
|
Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,309
|
Post by Neil on Aug 15, 2012 18:22:39 GMT -8
You're referring to Tyee Point. Get onto Wellington Avenue, which you access from Marine Drive. Follow it until it makes a U-turn and becomes Madrona. At that point there is a rough trail which leads up the hill to the Telus installation, and a couple of pretty good viewpoints into the bay, up the sound, and out to the strait. Google Street View will show you the spot, at 6686 Wellington. The trail is to the right of the driveway with the blue box that curves upward to the left. According to the signs, it is private (Telus) property. I was there yesterday, and all I found was 3 signs saying "No Trespassing" etc, so I didn't bother exploring. There was a rough trail on the right on Wellingtion before it makes the U-turn... I turned back cause it looked like it leaded to a house, but I could be wrong. Is that the trail? I'm not one of those 'curious' types, so I decided it would be best to ask on the forum before going further. It's the paved driveway you take, and a few steps up, the trail branches off to the right. Despite Telus' trespassing warnings, it seems to be well used by locals. |
|
|
|
Post by lmtengs on Sept 1, 2012 22:05:04 GMT -8
Where are some good nighttime ferry spotting locations? Just placing this here too....  |
|
|
|
Post by glasseye on Sept 3, 2012 0:25:22 GMT -8
Are there any known, public, vantage points on the south east corner of Bowen island (near Cowans Point and Seymour Landing) that offer a view of route #2 turning to enter/leave Queen Charlotte Channel?
I had a cursory look a few years ago but the roads in that area don't correspond to what's on Google Maps and every potential access to the waterfront seemed to be private.
|
|
|
|
Post by lmtengs on Sept 3, 2012 8:57:53 GMT -8
Are there any known, public, vantage points on the south east corner of Bowen island (near Cowans Point and Seymour Landing) that offer a view of route #2 turning to enter/leave Queen Charlotte Channel? I had a cursory look a few years ago but the roads in that area don't correspond to what's on Google Maps and every potential access to the waterfront seemed to be private. Rent a boat from Sewells for a few hours and whizz around getting pictures. |
|
|
|
Post by Ferryman on Sept 8, 2012 1:17:26 GMT -8
Are there any known, public, vantage points on the south east corner of Bowen island (near Cowans Point and Seymour Landing) that offer a view of route #2 turning to enter/leave Queen Charlotte Channel? I had a cursory look a few years ago but the roads in that area don't correspond to what's on Google Maps and every potential access to the waterfront seemed to be private. Back in 2007, we did a group trip to Bowen Island. We were curious as you are to find a vantage point at Cowan Pt. We later found out that Cowan point is either private land, or some sort of Ecological Reserve from what I can remember. I can't really remember the specifics...its been a couple of years and I haven't really been back since. However, I can repost my exact trip summary from 2007 on what we did. Here it is: |
|
