MV Chetzemoka

[rusty]

Oct 10, 2011 12:21:22 GMT -8 zargoman said:

....the Chetz goes to drydock on the 16th. Try using it as the interisland boat for a couple days and see how it works. We all know they need whatever help they can get until the Yakima is fixed.

The Chetzemoka is currently docked in Anacortes, probably waiting to go to Dakota Creek Shpyd. But with the Hiyu down, this could be her big chance to prove Barnacle right.

[FNS]

Here are photos as captured from the Port Townsend and Anacortes cams of the CHETZEMOKA's move from Port Townsend to Anacortes taken place today:


After doing the first few trips on the Keystone Harbor at Coupeville run this morning, the CHETZEMOKA backed away from Port Townsend and used End Number One for navigation to Anacortes.


CHETZEMOKA's arrival at Anacortes.

For tomorrow's historic day of her being in the San Juans for the first time, here are cams to capture her at Anacortes, Orcas, and Friday Harbor:

Anacortes

www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/vesselwatch/TerminalDetail.aspx?terminalid=1

Orcas

www.desticam.com/sj-orcashotel-med.shtml

Friday Harbor

www.islandcam.com/friday_harbor.html

www.islandcam.com/fridayhrbr.html

www.islandcam.com/ferryslip.html

www.desticam.com/sj-cannery-med.shtml

[Barnacle]

Oct 11, 2011 15:16:25 GMT -8 rusty said:

Oct 10, 2011 12:21:22 GMT -8 zargoman said:

....the Chetz goes to drydock on the 16th. Try using it as the interisland boat for a couple days and see how it works. We all know they need whatever help they can get until the Yakima is fixed.

The Chetzemoka is currently docked in Anacortes, probably waiting to go to Dakota Creek Shpyd. But with the Hiyu down, this could be her big chance to prove Barnacle right.

Or wrong. It's happened before, far too often to make headlines...

[Koastal Karl]

There are three boats right now at Anacortes including the Chetzy! One is gonna have to leave when the Evergreen State arrives. The Chetzy isent going to be running in the San Jauns is she??

[Kahloke]

Oct 11, 2011 21:58:58 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

The Chetzy isent going to be running in the San Jauns is she??

For the answer to that question, I refer you to this thread:
ferriesbc.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=nwf&action=display&thread=2203&page=32
scroll to the bottom

[rusty]

If one rode the Chetzemoka today, and watched the car deck.
I'm sure that it will be quite entertaining.

And if car deck conversations could magically be recorded--that would be priceless.

[Koastal Karl]

Is this for today only or will the Chetzy be running Thursday too in the San Juans??

[FNS]

Here's the CHETZEMOKA as was seen this morning on the Orcas cam:

www.desticam.com/getR.php?f=orcashotel/live.jpg&s=1


CHETZEMOKA at Shaw Island.


CHETZEMOKA at Orcas Island.


CHETZEMOKA underway for Wasp Passage and Friday Harbor.

[FNS]

Here are webcam captures of the CHETZEMOKA's first landing at Friday Harbor today:


Entering Friday Harbor.


In Friday Harbor.


At the dock and unloading.


Interesting view.


Loading for another trip.


Underway from Friday Harbor.


Heading out.


Back at Orcas. EVERGREEN STATE and CHETZEMOKA.


In Friday Harbor again. CHETZEMOKA takes a break while the ELWHA does international activity.


The HIYU returned to Eagle Harbor under her own power.


Returning to Orcas, we see the CHETZEMOKA with brilliant sunshine on her side.


Nightfall at Orcas. This edited photo (brightened from a dark picture) shows the CHETZEMOKA dressed up with her lights on.

[FNS]

Here are some final photos of the historic first day of service in the San Juans for the new CHETZEMOKA. She followed some of the same paths her 1927 predecessor of the same name did in the 1960s.


HYAK leaves Friday Harbor, CHETZY awaits outside.


CHETZY enters.


Entering the main slip.


In the main slip and ready to unload.


Moving over to the tie up slip.


CHETZEMOKA in the tie up slip.


Goodnight, MV CHETZEMOKA!

Oct 12, 2011 9:37:03 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

Is this for today only or will the Chetzy be running Thursday too in the San Juans??

I got an email from WSF saying that she may be there until at least Sunday when the YAKIMA returns (whenever she returns, that is). Once the Big Y arrives, the CHETZY will then visit Anacortes' "harbor hospital" for work. Hope to get a ride aboard her on Friday.

[Koastal Karl]

I was actually thinking of driving down tommorrow to Anacortes to ride the Evergreen State and thought the Chetzy too but it would be too hard to do both in a day. So I dont know if I will go I might just wait till I can do an overnight trip.

[FNS]

Oct 12, 2011 21:24:06 GMT -8 Koastal Karl said:

I was actually thinking of driving down tommorrow to Anacortes to ride the Evergreen State and thought the Chetzy too but it would be too hard to do both in a day. So I dont know if I will go I might just wait till I can do an overnight trip.

Do it now before it's too late. Hopefully, we'll see a KDT in the Islands on a regular off-season basis. Or, on the Sidney run.

As a bonus ...


An "EVERGREEN STATE" and a "CHETZEMOKA". Side-by-side again after all these years. Different vessels nowadays. A renovated ferry and a new ferry.

Back in the 1960s, the EVERGREEN STATE had her beautiful Evergreen Fleet colors with green tiled decking inside her cabin and green benches with real wooden trim. She now has that awful bright flooring inside her cabin. Not the same EVERGREEEN STATE I liked riding before her recent renovation.

Back in the 1960s, the EVERGREEN STATE met the old wooden CHETZEMOKA in the San Juans. Today's CHETZEMOKA is beautiful inside with Evergreen Fleet green tiles as interior decking and green seats and benches. The simulated wooden paneling on her Saloon Deck adds a nice touch.

[Barnacle]

Oct 12, 2011 22:43:27 GMT -8 FNS said:

Back in the 1960s, the EVERGREEN STATE had her beautiful Evergreen Fleet colors with green tiled decking inside her cabin and green benches with real wooden trim. She now has that awful bright flooring inside her cabin. Not the same EVERGREEEN STATE I liked riding before her recent renovation.

I agree and disagree with this statement... if I ever get enough horsepower to be king, I will make sure any renovations of vessels include a darker floor tile, at least in the main walkways where all the wear shows.

The disagreement? 1988 hardly qualifies as recent, except in geological terms.

[Low Light Mike]

Oct 12, 2011 22:43:27 GMT -8 FNS said:

Hopefully, we'll see a KDT in the Islands on a regular off-season basis. Or, on the Sidney run.

The issue that I'm waiting to hear some news about is how a KDT does the "vehicle spin" for a multi-location route. We've heard the theories and possibilities, but I'd like to know how it actually works or doesn't work for real.
- if the inter-island spin doesn't work well, then you're hoped-for scenario would be a bad thing.

If you're traveling on Friday, please let us know how it works, and photos from the Pickle-Fork of the spin action would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Koastal Karl]

I dont think I will be going now as it's too late anways. The Chetzy will be around fo years to come so I aint in a big hurry to get on that boat right now. I really want to do the Evergreen State but I will get down there eventually.

[Barnacle]

Oct 12, 2011 22:43:27 GMT -8 FNS said:

Hopefully, we'll see a KDT in the Islands on a regular off-season basis. Or, on the Sidney run.

I didn't see this earlier... why is this a hopeful thing? It would actually mean a down-sizing of service for the inter-islanders.

As for the Sidney run, setting aside the fact that the boat is not eligible for international service by lack of SOLAS compliance, don't forget that the vessel is supposed to serve domestic traffic for half of its service day. And it would be completely, totally, utterly inadequate for that. It can't even meet service needs for Sidney during much of the run's service period. Outfitting this boat for international service--assuming it to even be fundamentally possible--would be a huge waste of effort and taxpayers' money.

[Kahloke]

Oct 13, 2011 12:42:36 GMT -8 Barnacle said:

Oct 12, 2011 22:43:27 GMT -8 FNS said:

Hopefully, we'll see a KDT in the Islands on a regular off-season basis. Or, on the Sidney run.

I didn't see this earlier... why is this a hopeful thing? It would actually mean a down-sizing of service for the inter-islanders.

As for the Sidney run, setting aside the fact that the boat is not eligible for international service by lack of SOLAS compliance, don't forget that the vessel is supposed to serve domestic traffic for half of its service day. And it would be completely, totally, utterly inadequate for that. It can't even meet service needs for Sidney during much of the run's service period. Outfitting this boat for international service--assuming it to even be fundamentally possible--would be a huge waste of effort and taxpayers' money.

I must say, I agree. These boats have very little use outside of the Port Townsend-Keystone run, and it can be argued that it won't be too many years when they won't even be adequate for that route.

I am curious, as is our musical moderator, in how Chetzemoka has been handling the inter-island "spin" these last two days. It should be a pretty good test as to how well (or not) the KDT's function on the inter-island route, if the state is still planning on placing one there during the winter months.

[dumbthird]

Myself also, i noticed today that the Hyak is only 20 min late versus 1.5 hrs yesterday, the Chetz seems to be doing a passable job (from afar anyways).

[Barnacle]

My cohorts on the inter-island circuit haven't had much to say on the subject, so perhaps they've worked out a way around the loading challenges. Ferryboaters are pretty good at 'making it go,' regardless of what we get saddled with.

[old_wsf_fan]

I am interested to know how they like the Chetzy compared to the other vessels. Maybe there is no comparison, but I would be interested on their comments.

[FNS]

I took a trip on Friday, October 14, 2011, to Friday Harbor and rode the CHETZEMOKA on her 1135PDT loop around the San Juan Islands. This photo journal has a lot of photos. Hope you enjoy this.


Arriving Friday Harbor by float plane. CHETZEMOKA was on her 0830PDT sailing.


The CHETZEMOKA.


Waterborne. CHETZEMOKA heads for Wasp Passage and Orcas.

While in Friday Harbor, I had a nice breakfast and enjoyed watching the ELWHA on her international activity and the arrival and sailing of the clean looking HYAK.


The remote island ferry HENRY ISLAND is on a local pier to pier move as the CHETZEMOKA returns to Friday Harbor.


Entering Friday Harbor.


In the dock.


Unloading.

Oct 13, 2011 6:05:25 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

Oct 12, 2011 22:43:27 GMT -8 FNS said:

Hopefully, we'll see a KDT in the Islands on a regular off-season basis. Or, on the Sidney run.

The issue that I'm waiting to hear some news about is how a KDT does the "vehicle spin" for a multi-location route. We've heard the theories and possibilities, but I'd like to know how it actually works or doesn't work for real.
- if the inter-island spin doesn't work well, then you're hoped-for scenario would be a bad thing.

If you're traveling on Friday, please let us know how it works, and photos from the Pickle-Fork of the spin action would be appreciated.

Thanks.

For some reason, it was decided to load vehicles before us footies. I did see spin action at the end and cars turned without problems. No photos, though.


All aboard!


Underway from Friday Harbor. End Number One touches FH. End Number Two is navigating.


Friday Harbor from the Sun Deck.


A Kenmore Air float plane is waterborne.


Leaving Friday Harbor behind.


Wasp Passage is ahead of us.


The observatory is a nice place to watch scenery.


Entering Wasp Passage.


A deckhand is having a nice chat with a lady passenger as we overtake a log tow.


Very tight quarters in Wasp Passage. The CHETZY makes it though beautifully.


Turtleback Mountain.


Nearing Orcas Island. The EVERGREEN STATE is in the slip.


While waiting for the ES to leave, we were entertained by some maneuverings by our ferry.


ES at Orcas.


EVERGREEN STATE underway as seen from the CHETZEMOKA's Sun Deck.


Underway from Orcas. End Number One in control.


Arriving Shaw Island using End Number One. It was nice to view a landing from the passenger decks aboard this ferry for a change as opposed to watching on the Main Deck and getting off at each end on the Port Townsend to Keystone Harbor at Coupeville run.


A truck heads ashore.


End Number One still in control, we back away from Shaw.


Underway from Shaw.


Leaving Shaw and Orcas behind.


HYAK and Mount Baker.


Arriving Lopez Island using End Number One. The CHETZEMOKA fits the docks in the San Juans just fine in my observations.


Backing away from Lopez. End Number One still in command. There would be no spin movements by cars at Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez.


Underway for Friday Harbor. The HYAK arrives Lopez.


Down on the Main Deck now.


The cars as they were parked on the trip from Lopez to Friday Harbor.


Looking up at the bridge.


I did find some time to sit in her lounges.


Great scenery.


Looking through the End Number Two observatory.


Looking through the End Number One observatory. We are nearing Friday Harbor.


Turtleback Mountain.


The ELWHA leaves Friday Harbor, bound for Anacortes, on her return trip from Sidney BC Canada.


One last view from the Sun Deck. I felt I was aboard a mini replica of the NORTHERN EXPEDITION, cruising through some beautiful island scenery. I didn't have to pay extra to look through the observatory windows, though! ;D


Time to go down to the Saloon Deck to take one more photo of Friday Harbor.


Friday Harbor.


Arriving Friday Harbor. My goal of riding aboard the CHETZEMOKA on a longer run has been met. Two and a half hours. Wished it could be longer. The CHETZY is suited for long trips and has the desired amount of decks (open and enclosed) to view the beautiful scenery of the San Juan Islands and wildlife within.


Back ashore in Friday Harbor. CHETZY in the dock.


Could this be Martha's Vineyard with the ISLAND HOME in the dock? Well, almost! There are a nice count of tall vessels there as well as in Friday Harbor as we see here with these nice looking wind powered vessels.


We get a closer look at the CHETZY from this public pier.


End Number Two. The passing of one of Washington's governors is seen by the display of the flags.


CHETZEMOKA leaves Friday Harbor again for Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez.


Heading out.


Next stop, Orcas!


This sign reminds us that there was a wooden predecessor of the CHETZEMOKA by the same name. This looks more like the KLAHANIE, though.


This poster needs updating. The image of the former SKAGIT and KALAMA has been torn out as they should have made it to Africa by now.


I'm on my way back to the big city aboard an Otter float plane. After a stop at Westsound, we see the CHETZEMOKA make her way to Shaw and Orcas.




Thanks for a great ride, MV CHETZEMOKA!

Oct 15, 2011 15:28:00 GMT -8 old_wsf_fan said:

I am interested to know how they like the Chetzy compared to the other vessels. Maybe there is no comparison, but I would be interested on their comments.

I spoke with the crew and they like the CHETZEMOKA. She's a bit quieter and smoother running than the others they are accustomed to there in the islands. She handled this trip through the San Juans really well and there were no overloads on this trip I took on this fine Friday.


Following her last inter-island trip, the CHETZEMOKA did a Friday night trip to Anacortes. Here she is loading traffic to the islands.


Back in Friday Harbor unloading.


Moving over to the tie up slip.


Goodnight!

[Low Light Mike]

Oct 16, 2011 3:06:38 GMT -8 FNS said:

I took a trip on Friday, October 14, 2011, to Friday Harbor and rode the CHETZEMOKA on her 1135PDT loop around the San Juan Islands.

Thanks very much for sharing your trip with us. Your photos and commentary is appreciated.

[FNS]

Oct 16, 2011 7:15:08 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

Oct 16, 2011 3:06:38 GMT -8 FNS said:

I took a trip on Friday, October 14, 2011, to Friday Harbor and rode the CHETZEMOKA on her 1135PDT loop around the San Juan Islands.

Thanks very much for sharing your trip with us. Your photos and commentary is appreciated.

Many thanks!

It was a really fun day. It was a tad drizzly in Seattle in the morning. It was better after taking off from Lake Union and reaching airborne aboard the Beaver float plane and we entered some sunshine as we got closer to the San Juans. The ride aboard the CHETZEMOKA was really a great experience. Loved every minute of the cruise. Her galley is empty of food now, a probable sign of things to come for her visit to the Tahlequah run soon.

The CHETZEMOKA's visit to Anacortes' "harbor hospital" is one step closer. The YAKIMA is seen on the ship trackers heading northbound to the San Juans.


The Port Townsend cam shows the YAKIMA meeting the westbound SALISH.

[Kahloke]

Oct 16, 2011 10:00:44 GMT -8 FNS said:

Oct 16, 2011 7:15:08 GMT -8 Low Light Mike said:

Thanks very much for sharing your trip with us. Your photos and commentary is appreciated.

Many thanks!

It was a really fun day. It was a tad drizzly in Seattle in the morning. It was better after taking off from Lake Union and reaching airborne aboard the Beaver float plane and we entered some sunshine as we got closer to the San Juans. The ride aboard the CHETZEMOKA was really a great experience. Loved every minute of the cruise. Her galley is empty of food now, a probable sign of things to come for her visit to the Tahlequah run soon.

OK, I'm jealous. I had really wanted to get up to the islands to see Chetzemoka working the route, and had even thought about driving up to Anacortes Friday morning, walking on a FH-bound ferry and doing the inter-island circuit like you did, but I just can't afford to do that right now, both time-wise, and money-wise. Good to see your pictures and observations, though.

[Koastal Karl]

Did you have to get off the boat at Lopez or were you able to stay onboard??? I would of loved to have been able to take a trip on the Chetzy in the San Juans. I want to do a trip down thee one day to get on the Evergreen State and the Yakima at some point. One thing I like about the interisland boat is it's FREE for foot passengers you could ride the ferry all day. I really want to do more WST trips. BC Ferries is getting boring now, lol!