ehkolie
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 7
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Post by ehkolie on Mar 10, 2016 7:53:45 GMT -8
Received an answer from the Borg, oops BCF twitter site re: BS Con.
There were mechanical issues with the first departure of the Baynes Sount Connector, however the Quinitsa sailed on schedule in its place. The Baynes Sound Connector should be good to go for the remainder of the day ^dg
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ehkolie
Oiler (New Member)
Posts: 7
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Post by ehkolie on Mar 10, 2016 8:17:13 GMT -8
It's a miracle, again. Winds die down, BS Con mechanical problem fixed, back in service.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2016 20:01:43 GMT -8
electrical due to a power surge last night, was the word......and nothing to do with weather!
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Mar 10, 2016 20:33:00 GMT -8
electrical due to a power surge last night, was the word......and nothing to do with weather! If Denman was the same as Hornby between about 10pm and 5am last night, the number of five second power interruptions was just amazing. Can't be good for certain systems to be constantly cycling on and off.
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Post by Dane on Mar 16, 2016 14:00:32 GMT -8
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Mar 16, 2016 21:57:46 GMT -8
Well, it perhaps detracted from the 'excellence' of the article that they managed to inflate by a factor of ten the projected savings from this project ($70 million, not $700 million), and it's a headscratcher that a crew of four supposedly leads to faster ambulance runs. And the barge has not in fact been tested yet in the strongest winds we get in these parts.
On the other hand, expressed concerns about what happens if the barge breaks down kind of ignore the fact that if the Quinitsa were to break down on the run, there would be no back up either, with no conventional vessel available for relief right now. As it stands, the BSC is trundling back and forth as it should, carrying, as needed, a few more cars than Quinitsa could handle. Life goes on.
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Post by Dane on Mar 17, 2016 8:33:21 GMT -8
I was willing to overlook the zero. It is otherwise pretty good. Calling in four vs six certainly can be a time saver; I believe the break down reference is about the lack of in place mechanical resources available.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 18, 2016 19:08:18 GMT -8
I'm moving discussion posts about a recent "lawsuit re alleged libel via social media" to its own thread. The reason is because the discussion is social media related & libel related, not related to people's rights to oppose this cable ferry, and not related to the cable ferry itself. new thread is HERE
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on Mar 30, 2016 21:04:19 GMT -8
Advance warning for anyone tired of complaints about the barge thing. Do not read beyond here
The latest aspect of the BS Con operation that is not endearing people... noise. I had been reading complaints from residents living near the Denman west terminal about a weird noise emanating from the cable ferry. Heard it yesterday for the first time. I arrived during afternoon break, when the vessel shuts down, but when it started up after crew change, it was very apparent. It's a new development; either something is wrong, or they've switched engines, using the one that vents toward Denman. Hard to describe the noise, but it's unlike anything I've ever heard from a conventional ferry. It's been described as a diesel driven dental drill, or steel on steel... I would call it a shrill, high pitched whine. Apparently it's worse higher up the hill than it is at sea level- not hard to believe, perhaps, since it's emanating from the bridge level smokestack pointing at Denman, which is basically acting as a loudspeaker.
Like some of the other criticisms of the cable ferry, it would seem that this one should be fixable, but in the meantime, I can understand the vexation of locals, because it is loud, and strange, and pervasive, given that the ferry sits at Denman for half an hour for a good part of the day.
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 30, 2016 21:19:36 GMT -8
The latest aspect of the BS Con operation that is not endearing people... noise. I had been reading complaints from residents living near the Denman west terminal about a weird noise emanating from the cable ferry. Heard it yesterday for the first time. I arrived during afternoon break, when the vessel shuts down, but when it started up after crew change, it was very apparent. It's a new development; either something is wrong, or they've switched engines, using the one that vents toward Denman. Hard to describe the noise, but it's unlike anything I've ever heard from a conventional ferry. It's been described as a diesel driven dental drill, or steel on steel... I would call it a shrill, high pitched whine. Apparently it's worse higher up the hill than it is at sea level- not hard to believe, perhaps, since it's emanating from the bridge level smokestack pointing at Denman, which is basically acting as a loudspeaker. I was reading about the same issue, on the Denman Open Forum today. I will ask my colleague (who lives on Denman) about it and see if I can get some first-hand comments.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on Mar 30, 2016 22:03:26 GMT -8
The latest aspect of the BS Con operation that is not endearing people... noise. I had been reading complaints from residents living near the Denman west terminal about a weird noise emanating from the cable ferry. Heard it yesterday for the first time. I arrived during afternoon break, when the vessel shuts down, but when it started up after crew change, it was very apparent. It's a new development; either something is wrong, or they've switched engines, using the one that vents toward Denman. Hard to describe the noise, but it's unlike anything I've ever heard from a conventional ferry. It's been described as a diesel driven dental drill, or steel on steel... I would call it a shrill, high pitched whine. Apparently it's worse higher up the hill than it is at sea level- not hard to believe, perhaps, since it's emanating from the bridge level smokestack pointing at Denman, which is basically acting as a loudspeaker. I was reading about the same issue, on the Denman Open Forum today. I will ask my colleague (who lives on Denman) about it and see if I can get some first-hand comments. At times recently, I've almost started to think that we're entering a phase of "lets throw s__t at the wall and see what sticks", when it comes to the cable ferry. The lifejacket 'issue' is one that comes to mind. But this strange exhaust racket is not one I would want to deal with, if I lived nearby.
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Post by Curtis on Apr 4, 2016 12:07:57 GMT -8
Last Thursday the 31st, marked my first time aboard the Baynes Sound Connector. Here's my initial thoughts on the newest member of the fleet. Warning: Photo Heavy! All Photos are © CS16 Photography and may only be used with Permission from the Owner.We begin at Buckley Bay as is often the case, this was also my first ride on a cable ferry so this was a completely new experience for me. Baynes Sound Connector Unloading at Buckley Bay. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr We'll start with the lounge, it really isn't anything to get excited about, just your average minor vessel lounge with the padded 'cheese grater' seats. Oh, and those fire windows that act like a funhouse mirror when you walk by one. Deck 1, Lounge, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr One thing I found was that the vehicle deck was well spaced for anyone walking from end to end, not just from the walkway next to the bulkhead, but also between the two vehicle lanes. Though I suppose with a full lane of commercial vehicles, that may be a different story. Deck 1, Car Deck, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr One thing I do wish they had considered was to have a small sun deck space above the car deck, perhaps not necessary on a 10 minute crossing, but I was hoping the Sun Deck space on the 'K' Class vessels was becoming the trend. (Though the 'Q' Barges and the Kuper never got this...) Guess we'll have to settle for the provided outside seating. Deck 1, Covered Seating Area, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Overall, I felt the ride was surprisingly smooth. Considering the length of the crossing, I expected there to be a bit of a roll to it but the cables made the vessel quite stable. It wasn't really a windy day though, so I'll have to come back and see for myself how it handles in rough weather. Deck 1, Car Deck, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr In terms of noise, the vessel as you might be able to guess was silent while in berth. While underway though, you can hear an almost grinding buzzing sound come from the drive wheel. On a longer crossing, I could see this sound being a nuisance, but for the length of time spent aboard the vessel this can be forgiven. The amount of noise you hear overall is based on how close you are to where the drive wheel is. It's not nearly as loud as being on Deck 5 of the Tachek though. Deck 1, Car Deck, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr With my first Cable Ferry ride in the books, it was time for the return trip. Boarding the Baynes Sound Connector at Denman West. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Deck 1, No. 1 End, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr The Pets area, not really as extravagant as they make the new one on the Oak Bay sound, but for a 10 minute crossing, it does the trick. Perhaps though, it could have been covered like the benches at the other end. Deck 1, Pets Area, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Bridge, Baynes Sound Connector. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr To end off this photo essay, a couple shots of the BS Con pulling her way back to Denman West. Baynes Sound Connector Enroute to Denman West. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Baynes Sound Connector Enroute to Denman West. by Curtis Simonetta, on Flickr Overall, I was quite impressed with the Baynes Sound Connector, maybe I just set my expectations too low, but overall it was a nice ride. Is it the best minor vessel in the fleet? Of course not, but for the crossing it does, the BSC fits in quite well. I will have to make a few more crossings on it in the future to get a better opinion of it though. That's all for Now.
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Neil
Voyager
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Post by Neil on Apr 20, 2016 9:44:04 GMT -8
Yesterday, a fishing vessel crossed behind the BS Con on its 12:30 sailing from Buckley Bay, and then we had to wait leaving Denman West on the 12:50 as another vessel passed in the other direction, fairly close in front. Apparently, this is very common. Boaters are routinely ignoring the red lights at the terminals, knowing there is no enforcement. I suppose they are also understanding that if the ferry is a fair distance away, the cables are well under the surface of the water. One can only hope that none of the illegal passes are the result of sheer ignorance or maybe alcohol, or there will be an accident with nasty consequences for someone's prop, and the barge's cables as well.
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Post by Starsteward on Apr 20, 2016 11:21:37 GMT -8
Yesterday, a fishing vessel crossed behind the BS Con on its 12:30 sailing from Buckley Bay, and then we had to wait leaving Denman West on the 12:50 as another vessel passed in the other direction, fairly close in front. Apparently, this is very common. Boaters are routinely ignoring the red lights at the terminals, knowing there is no enforcement. I suppose they are also understanding that if the ferry is a fair distance away, the cables are well under the surface of the water. One can only hope that none of the illegal passes are the result of sheer ignorance or maybe alcohol, or there will be an accident with nasty consequences for someone's prop, and the barge's cables as well. Has anyone taken note if the Coast Guard folks are doing any kind of 'regular' surveillance when the barge is operating? Would photographs taken by 'BS Connector' crew and forwarded to authorities be of any use? Neil, you're right, if these infractions keep happening on a fairly regular basis, it is only a matter of time when some sort of mishap occurs, then, as we know, the crap will hit the fan, thrown by all parties involved.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on Apr 20, 2016 22:37:51 GMT -8
Yesterday, a fishing vessel crossed behind the BS Con on its 12:30 sailing from Buckley Bay, and then we had to wait leaving Denman West on the 12:50 as another vessel passed in the other direction, fairly close in front. Apparently, this is very common. Boaters are routinely ignoring the red lights at the terminals, knowing there is no enforcement. I suppose they are also understanding that if the ferry is a fair distance away, the cables are well under the surface of the water. One can only hope that none of the illegal passes are the result of sheer ignorance or maybe alcohol, or there will be an accident with nasty consequences for someone's prop, and the barge's cables as well. Has anyone taken note if the Coast Guard folks are doing any kind of 'regular' surveillance when the barge is operating? Would photographs taken by 'BS Connector' crew and forwarded to authorities be of any use? Neil, you're right, if these infractions keep happening on a fairly regular basis, it is only a matter of time when some sort of mishap occurs, then, as we know, the crap will hit the fan, thrown by all parties involved. Given the impunity that boaters have in Baynes Sound with the lack of a police presence, I was wondering too if the BS Con 'master', or whatever he's called, could record the transgressions and forward them to the appropriate authorities.
Hopefully, this issue, along with the conflicts with herring and prawn fishers, is just part of the learning curve for mariners operating in the vicinity of the new ferry. Pete Kimmerly spelled out a number of concerns with this operation that will not be answered in the short term, despite the fact that the barge is currently sailing dependably back and forth as BC Ferries said it would.
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Post by Kather Anne on Apr 21, 2016 8:59:51 GMT -8
Yesterday, a fishing vessel crossed behind the BS Con on its 12:30 sailing from Buckley Bay, and then we had to wait leaving Denman West on the 12:50 as another vessel passed in the other direction, fairly close in front. Apparently, this is very common. Boaters are routinely ignoring the red lights at the terminals, knowing there is no enforcement. I suppose they are also understanding that if the ferry is a fair distance away, the cables are well under the surface of the water. One can only hope that none of the illegal passes are the result of sheer ignorance or maybe alcohol, or there will be an accident with nasty consequences for someone's prop, and the barge's cables as well. A huge part of the problem is paper charts won't be updated for in the foreseeable future (but can still be and should be manually amended), recreational boaters rarely read notices to mariners or update the charts on their toy systems, and it's unlikely that many fishing boats will want to fork out for new electronic charts. Add into the fray the turn the key and go boaters from south of the border and there's a huge problem. Professional mariners are much more likely to read and heed and update... 3527 - Baynes Sound - New Edition - 06-APR-2001 - NAD 1983 25-MAR-2016 LNM/D. 19-FEB-2016 Delete ferry
(See Chart No. 1, M50) between 49°31′35.2″N 124°50′50.8″W and 49°32′05.9″N 124°49′26.7″W This notice affects Electronic Navigational Chart: CA470218 DFO(6203236-01) Add cable ferry
(See Chart No. 1, M51) between 49°31′33.4″N 124°50′50.4″W and 49°32′05.0″N 124°49′24.2″W This notice affects Electronic Navigational Chart: CA470218
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on Apr 28, 2016 22:17:38 GMT -8
My ex said something this evening that prompted some reflection on my part. No doubt I'm not the only participant in this forum whose family members put up with when my ferry interests get me enthusiastic about something that normal people don't find all that fascinating. But she said I hadn't really made very many comments about the cable ferry, now that it's actually operating. I had of course talked about the concerns around the project, the concept, the job losses... but not much about what the Baynes Sound Connector (just can't do the italics) was like to ride on, or what it looked like.
I realized that I'm just not that interested in this thing, from a ship perspective. And I think the reason is, I just don't see it as a ship. Even the most humble vessels in the BC Ferries fleet, say, the Nimpkish, or the departed 'Chilliwack, were proper vessels. They had conventional hulls, and engine rooms. They can navigate, which to me is the soul of a vessel. This cable thingy is more like a moveable section of bridge. It can't move itself without the cables. It can only haul itself in a straight line from Buckley Bay to Denman West. It doesn't have a captain. It will never serve anywhere else, just as the Pitt River bridge will never serve anywhere else.
I've never been much interested in bridges, or highway engineering. Those who are perhaps find the BS Con intriguing. To me it now just represents a moveable gap in the roadway. I like that it carries a few more cars than Quinitsa, and I like how little kids use the poles around the small outdoor seating area as monkey bars. But it's not a ship... I find it hard to even think of it as a boat. Clearly, it's here to stay, so I hope it keeps working efficiently. But other than that... meh.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 4, 2016 18:55:46 GMT -8
Comox Valley Record news story about BSC and the work to build public awareness about the red/green lights at the docks: from HERE
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on May 4, 2016 22:40:54 GMT -8
Comox Valley Record news story about BSC and the work to build public awareness about the red/green lights at the docks: from HEREI've observed a fair number of boats, commercial and otherwise, ignoring the lights. But I also noticed yesterday a fishing vessel which stopped outside the no go zone as the BS Con neared Denman West, and then proceeded as soon as the lights turned green. I suspect that, for the most part, this is a learning curve that will eventually work out. Even for the vessels which ignore the red lights, as long as they're far enough away from the ferry, they would need a very deep keel to cause any conflict with the cables.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 10, 2016 19:30:12 GMT -8
For any ship enthusiasts who may have taken a trip on the Baynes Sound Connector recently, I have some interview questions for you to answer, if you please:
1) Given the huge amount of design and implementation commentary and analysis in this thread, was there anything that surprised you about the BSC after you finally rode it in person?
2) For the ride experience, what other BC Ferry is closest to the experience?
3) After all the posts about this BSC thingy, was the actual ride experience a bit anti-climactic? Or was the ride as dramatic as the pre-service ferry analysis? - Or did you have the feeling like you'd already ridden it hundreds of times, based on the hundreds of posts in this thread?
4) Has the ride changed you, as a person?
5) (optional question for any ferry riders who might also be professional bus drivers) - Is riding a cable ferry similar to riding a trolley bus, re being tethered to a fixed line?
----------- Answers are payable in bottles of Innis & Gunn, on a future Alberni Inlet Tenaka-Extravaganza trip.
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Post by Elwha on the Rocks on May 11, 2016 17:29:00 GMT -8
For any ship enthusiasts who may have taken a trip on the Baynes Sound Connector recently, I have some interview questions for you to answer, if you please: 1) Given the huge amount of design and implementation commentary and analysis in this thread, was there anything that surprised you about the BSC after you finally rode it in person? 2) For the ride experience, what other BC Ferry is closest to the experience? 3) After all the posts about this BSC thingy, was the actual ride experience a bit anti-climactic? Or was the ride as dramatic as the pre-service ferry analysis? - Or did you have the feeling like you'd already ridden it hundreds of times, based on the hundreds of posts in this thread? 4) Has the ride changed you, as a person? 5) (optional question for any ferry riders who might also be professional bus drivers) - Is riding a cable ferry similar to riding a trolley bus, re being tethered to a fixed line? ----------- Answers are payable in bottles of Innis & Gunn, on a future Alberni Inlet Tenaka-Extravaganza trip. I rode the BSC about a month ago on a trip to Canada, so I'll answer the questions as best I can. I should say, though, that I have not followed the cable ferry project very closely, so I don't know too much about it. Also, I have not ridden every BC Ferry or every route, so there could be more similarities that I don't know about. Anyways, with that said, here we go! 1.) Nothing really jumped at me, but can say that as I was on the "high school sailing" on the way over, I did miss the 4 lounges that were on the Quinitsa. I know, the BSC's lounge is much larger than a single lounge in the Quinitsa, and most of the time there are few walk-ons on that route, but still, that was something that was a little bit of an annoyance. Though I do have to add that if I remember right everyone was able to find a seat and sit down. Another thing I noticed is how the design shares a faint resemblance with the Whatcom Chief, as there are two lanes on either side of the central cabin and pilothouse. Obviously, the BSC is very, very different from the Whatcom Chief, but there are a few small similarities too. 2.) Compared to other BC Ferries, I would say that the BSC feels most like the Quinitsa or Quinsam. It's a little bigger, carries a decent amount of cars, has limited passenger amenities, and shuttles back and forth on a route that sees a good amount of traffic. And just for fun, I'd say that the compared to Washington State Ferries, it feels most like an Issaquah Class ferry at Mukilteo. Again, they carry lots of cars and not many foot passengers, which is what Issaquahs are probably best at. 3.) My quick round trip on the Baynes Sound Connector went uneventfully. However, I did my trip on a nice, calm, sunny day so things could be different if the conditions weren't as nice. 4.) Well, it changed that fact that I'd never ridden a cable ferry. Other than that, my ride on the BSC didn't really change me. I didn't really walk away with any new strong opinions about it, though it was a fun trip. 5.) I have never driven a bus of any kind (except on a simulator ) so can't make any connections there. Feel free to disagree with me, as I said I'm no expert on the Baynes Sound Connector. I did enjoy the short time I was aboard, though, and would recommend the trip as it definitely is interesting to watch how the operation of a cable ferry works.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,177
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Post by Neil on May 11, 2016 21:58:13 GMT -8
For any ship enthusiasts who may have taken a trip on the Baynes Sound Connector recently, I have some interview questions for you to answer, if you please: 1) Given the huge amount of design and implementation commentary and analysis in this thread, was there anything that surprised you about the BSC after you finally rode it in person? 2) For the ride experience, what other BC Ferry is closest to the experience? 3) After all the posts about this BSC thingy, was the actual ride experience a bit anti-climactic? Or was the ride as dramatic as the pre-service ferry analysis? - Or did you have the feeling like you'd already ridden it hundreds of times, based on the hundreds of posts in this thread? 4) Has the ride changed you, as a person? 5) (optional question for any ferry riders who might also be professional bus drivers) - Is riding a cable ferry similar to riding a trolley bus, re being tethered to a fixed line? ----------- Answers are payable in bottles of Innis & Gunn, on a future Alberni Inlet Tenaka-Extravaganza trip. I was surprised by: (1) The amount of noise by the 'engine room'. Somehow I thought the trip might be like drifting across Baynes Sound tethered to a rope. (2) How slowly the boat/thingy comes into dock- since it can actually put the brakes on, I expected it to make a quicker approach and docking. (3) BC Ferries actually, for once, undersold the capacity. The BSC can take up to 55 cars, if loaded optimally.
No drama from the first encounter, and less since. This thing took so long coming into service, it had to be anti-climactic. Yes, it's changed me as a person. GO TRUMP!
Is that Innis & Gunn, or a Bamfield trip on Tenaka, or both? Careful, Mr Horn, we might hold you to that, but then with your generous salary as moderator/archivist of this forum, I guess you can afford it.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 12, 2016 6:32:40 GMT -8
Is that Innis & Gunn, or a Bamfield trip on Tenaka, or both? Careful, Mr Horn, we might hold you to that, but then with your generous salary as moderator/archivist of this forum, I guess you can afford it. I hired an actuary to help me calculate the expected cost of future payout. It's a low number.
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 19, 2016 20:45:04 GMT -8
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Post by Low Light Mike on May 20, 2016 20:32:36 GMT -8
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