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Post by WettCoast on Mar 15, 2011 11:33:26 GMT -8
6:30 PM Monday, 14 March - I am on my way south via Via Train & ferry from Rupert. Currently on Via's Skeena west of Terrace.
JST
9:20 PM Update - Now in Rupert awaiting ferry over to HG. Will do the rounder than continue south to Port Hardy tomorrow evening. Weather is just a bit iffy!
Tues., March 15th Update: Spent the night tied to the dock in Rupert*. Hecate Strait is not co-operating. My Port Hardy trip will probably be cancelled!
*I slept well in a NorAd outside stateroom, while the ship was basically motionless, aside from idling engine vibration.
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Post by WettCoast on Mar 15, 2011 11:38:36 GMT -8
As of 12 Noon (15 March) we are finally under way, 13 hours late. We are promised rough seas in Hecate St. The car deck, in case anyone is interested, is 90 to 95% full, and I would guess there are ~150 passengers on board plus 40+ crew.
I am able to connect to the internet with a Telus USB 'Stick' running on cellular networks.
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Post by WettCoast on Mar 15, 2011 19:17:47 GMT -8
A Wave from the NorAd....  |
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mrdot
Voyager 
Mr. DOT
Posts: 1,252
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Post by mrdot on Mar 15, 2011 20:19:50 GMT -8
::)Is this Hahn's vue out the forward megavue portholes, on this Greek wonderboat? better known as the love boat to Haidaguai, on the rock n roll frequency!  |
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Post by WettCoast on Mar 16, 2011 20:53:17 GMT -8
As of 9:45 PM Wed, March 16th, I have now been on the NorAd for about 48 hours. We are currently bobbing around in Queen Charlotte Sound, a couple of hours from journey's end at Port Hardy. It is not so rough here as it was earlier yesterday in Hecate Strait.
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 20, 2011 9:26:42 GMT -8
I'm heading down to Oregon sometime this week, and I'm wondering if there are any ferries, in service or not, anywhere along or within a 20 minute drive of Highway 101 or I-5 North of the 44th Parallel. Any attractions or sightseeing would be appreciated too. Also, if anyone has any good hotels/motels that they could recommend, that'd be great  |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 20, 2011 13:25:14 GMT -8
I'm heading down to Oregon sometime this week, and I'm wondering if there are any ferries, in service or not, anywhere along or within a 20 minute drive of Highway 101 or I-5 North of the 44th Parallel. Any attractions or sightseeing would be appreciated too. Also, if anyone has any good hotels/motels that they could recommend, that'd be great Find what's left of the wreck of the Catala, a former Union steamship. The wreck is on a park-like spit at Gray's Harbor, near Hwy 101. - you can google "Catala" & "Gray's harbor" to find the location, or see photos on Google Earth. I'm curious what's still to be seen of the wreck. (it wasn't shipwrecked there, it was anchored there, and then abandoned in the sand). |
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Post by lmtengs on Mar 20, 2011 18:25:45 GMT -8
I'm heading down to Oregon sometime this week, and I'm wondering if there are any ferries, in service or not, anywhere along or within a 20 minute drive of Highway 101 or I-5 North of the 44th Parallel. Any attractions or sightseeing would be appreciated too. Also, if anyone has any good hotels/motels that they could recommend, that'd be great Find what's left of the wreck of the Catala, a former Union steamship. The wreck is on a park-like spit at Gray's Harbor, near Hwy 101. - you can google "Catala" & "Gray's harbor" to find the location, or see photos on Google Earth. I'm curious what's still to be seen of the wreck. (it wasn't shipwrecked there, it was anchored there, and then abandoned in the sand). I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be driving that part of the 101, but I can try and change plans. If I can't, the Catala's wreck is lodged in the sand next to the little pond at the end of Damon Point at the following Lat/Lng: 46.94260, -124.11873 |
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Post by Kahloke on Mar 20, 2011 18:53:29 GMT -8
I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be driving that part of the 101, but I can try and change plans. If I can't, the Catala's wreck is lodged in the sand next to the little pond at the end of Damon Point at the following Lat/Lng: 46.94260, -124.11873 The Catala was removed a few years ago - see link: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/catala/cata.htmAnd, even if it wasn't, Ocean Shores is a fair ways off the beaten path from hwy 101. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Mar 20, 2011 19:09:20 GMT -8
I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be driving that part of the 101, but I can try and change plans. If I can't, the Catala's wreck is lodged in the sand next to the little pond at the end of Damon Point at the following Lat/Lng: 46.94260, -124.11873 The Catala was removed a few years ago - see link: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/spills/incidents/catala/cata.htmAnd, even if it wasn't, Ocean Shores is a fair ways off the beaten path from hwy 101. Thanks for setting me straight on that one.  |
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Post by Northern Exploration on Mar 21, 2011 9:48:29 GMT -8
I will give my comments without knowing whether with you are on a family or friends trip, and knowing what kind of budget. Astoria has the column and bridge of course. I have stayed at the Thunderbird/Red Lion Motel/Inn just east of the bridge quite a few times. The last time I would say that it needed refreshing. Reasonable and located right on the marina. The restaurant has varied from good to soso. Probably good for breakfast. Seaside is interesting if not tacky. The aquarium has a big octopus you can touch . Cannon Beach and haystack rock is a nice stop. Can be crowded but interesting cafe's and boutique. Tillamook, besides great cheddar, has a small aviation museum. One of the best things about it is the massive airship hangar that houses part of the collection. If budget isn't prime concern, I have two suggestions. Salishan Lodge is a wonderful. On a hill and golf course, it is a great setting and you get access to the private beach. Now managed by Westin, the restaurant is great, especially for breakfast. MMM boysenberry pancakes. There are often specials that reduce room rates significantly. Just north of the hotel right on Siletz Bay is the Bayhouse Restaurant. Amazing wine list for the elders with very good reasonable Oregon and Washington State available. One of the best meals I have had anywhere. Pricey but lunch can be a more reasonable. When we couldn't decide among main courses the chef offered some custom versions and tasting sizes. New owners but I assume quality is the same. Prices and quality on par with the Fishhouse in Stanley Park. For amazing clam chowder, Sea Hag in depoe Bay. Just north and on the waterside, is a seafood shop that sells shrimp and crab cocktails ready to eat in chinese food type containers. Also have had seafood tacos at Avast restaurant. In general Best Western Hallmark Inns are great. I have stayed a number times in the beachfront Newport location. Friends have stayed in Cannon Beach. Abby's Pizza is good and reasonable. Not sure how the Newport Bay aquarium is now, I was there before Willy/Keiko flew the coop. Skip the Sea Lion Caves, touristy and stinky, unless you are really into it. Just south of the 44th the dunebuggy/bus/truck excursions in the dunes is fun. If I remember more will add later. |
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Apr 15, 2011 12:33:05 GMT -8
I'm aiming for a fairly energetic ferry day next Thursday. My itinerary:
Lv Orcas 6:45 am
Ar Anacortes 8:10
Lv Coupeville/Keystone 10:15
Ar Port Townsend 10:45
Lv Port Angeles 2:00pm
Ar Victoria 3:30
Lv Brentwood Bay 5:55
ar Mill Bay 6:20.
I don't have much time in Port Townsend, but if I can stop in somewhere historic, anyone have a suggestion as to where that should be?
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Post by Low Light Mike on Apr 15, 2011 12:43:13 GMT -8
I don't have much time in Port Townsend, but if I can stop in somewhere historic, anyone have a suggestion as to where that should be? From the ferry terminal (Water street) turn right, and you'll be in the historic downtown area, with lots of old beautiful buildings in that area. Good for a walk of downtown. The old ferry dock structure is visible , just a few blocks away from the current dock, at foot of Quincy St (most streets are named for ex-presidents, but no street for your distant cousin yet). - there's also a couple nice public piers to walk out to. All are easy walks from the ferry terminal area, after you "turn right" out of the terminal. You'll be on the main street, with short streets branching-off to the right to take you to water's edge. At far end of Water Street (after you turn-right from the terminal), is the Maritime Centre, which has a wooden-boat centre, a nice chandlery, coffee-shop, etc. - "Northwest Maritime Centre", which is just past President Monroe's street. Have fun. ps: - when on the Coho, look for the plaque on a door that mentions Barbara Streisand. It's on an interior door just aft of the Forward lounge. small, but a neat cultural quirk on the ship. |
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Post by Kahloke on Apr 15, 2011 14:10:07 GMT -8
I'm aiming for a fairly energetic ferry day next Thursday. My itinerary: Lv Orcas 6:45 am Ar Anacortes 8:10 Lv Coupeville/Keystone 10:15 Ar Port Townsend 10:45 Lv Port Angeles 2:00pm Ar Victoria 3:30 Lv Brentwood Bay 5:55 ar Mill Bay 6:20. I don't have much time in Port Townsend, but if I can stop in somewhere historic, anyone have a suggestion as to where that should be? that sounds like a great day. Have fun on Orcas. While you're on my island, I will be down in California next week getting some better weather than what we've been experiencing - looking forward to that! |
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Kam
Voyager
Posts: 926
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Post by Kam on Apr 15, 2011 23:24:30 GMT -8
I'm aiming for a fairly energetic ferry day next Thursday. My itinerary: Lv Orcas 6:45 am Ar Anacortes 8:10 Lv Coupeville/Keystone 10:15 Ar Port Townsend 10:45 Lv Port Angeles 2:00pm Ar Victoria 3:30 Lv Brentwood Bay 5:55 ar Mill Bay 6:20. I don't have much time in Port Townsend, but if I can stop in somewhere historic, anyone have a suggestion as to where that should be? Looks like we will cross paths that day! I'll be on the 10:30 Coho from Victoria on Thursday :-) |
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
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Post by Neil on Apr 16, 2011 22:15:51 GMT -8
I don't have much time in Port Townsend, but if I can stop in somewhere historic, anyone have a suggestion as to where that should be? From the ferry terminal (Water street) turn right, and you'll be in the historic downtown area, with lots of old beautiful buildings in that area. Good for a walk of downtown. The old ferry dock structure is visible , just a few blocks away from the current dock, at foot of Quincy St (most streets are named for ex-presidents, but no street for your distant cousin yet). - there's also a couple nice public piers to walk out to. All are easy walks from the ferry terminal area, after you "turn right" out of the terminal. You'll be on the main street, with short streets branching-off to the right to take you to water's edge. At far end of Water Street (after you turn-right from the terminal), is the Maritime Centre, which has a wooden-boat centre, a nice chandlery, coffee-shop, etc. - "Northwest Maritime Centre", which is just past President Monroe's street. Have fun. ps: - when on the Coho, look for the plaque on a door that mentions Barbara Streisand. It's on an interior door just aft of the Forward lounge. small, but a neat cultural quirk on the ship. Thanks for that, Mr Horn. Hopefully I can squeeze a bit in. |
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Post by BreannaF on Jun 6, 2011 22:11:46 GMT -8
Not exactly a trip, but I did ride my first ferry in 6 months this morning in the form of the 0755 Walla Walla from Kingston to Edmonds. I had a late-morning meeting in Edmonds today, and of course the most direct way there from Portland is via Kingston!  Actually, given rush-hour traffic on I-5, it might HAVE been the shortest time path. But I digress. Anyway, we have all seen the boat, so no need to go into too much detail there. But I did resist the temptation to run around the boat with my camera like a crazy tourist and actually just enjoy the ride. And make a few random observations. - I haven't been a ferry commuter for a while, so I forgot that the experience was different than on a Saturday afternoon. For example, there was not only no mad rush from the cars to the passenger decks, but it seems that I was the ONLY one on the port-side gallery deck to actually get out of the car and go upstairs. We really DO live in our cars, don't we? (I had to get out and walk around. I'd just spent 3 hours driving to the ferry terminal.)
- It's funny how, when you're not playing the tourist, just how funny that guy with the camera is taking pictures of everything including the closeup of the ferry's nameplate. Or the young couple having someone take their picture of being together on the ferry. Do I really usually look like that? (They actually looked really happy together!)
- Because of the lack of a camera, I missed taking yet another picture of a Jumbo passing in the fog, and of one of the passenger ferries passing us in the fog. Oh well.
- I was reminded that nothing in the galley looks good at that hour. No change there.
- Those seats on the Jumbos are pretty comfortable. Have I not ever sat on one of them before? Possibly not......
- Oh, yes. I am actually surprised that no one here has tried to catalogue a list of local TV and radio personalities who read the "Welcome to WSF and mind the crew when the bells go off and they ask you to assemble" message. Also, is it funny that they never bothered to personalize the messages to the route? ("We have arrived at our destination!")
It was actually pretty interesting just riding along like a regular passenger, as opposed to being a rabid ferry fan. There IS a difference. And.... I really did miss being on a ferry for so long. It won't happen again! ;D |
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on Jun 6, 2011 23:03:48 GMT -8
Neat story, "BryanK"!
I remember my weekly trips taken aboard the ferries on the Columbia Beach run back in the 1970s. KULSHAN. RHODODENDRON. OLYMPIC. VASHON. Sometimes aboard the old CHETZEMOKA with that nice strong smell of wood!
If we caught the RHODY (the only food ferry on the run then), we would order hot dogs. It was fun to see the little carton of milk do a dance on the table caused by the motions of that ferry.
There were no PA systems aboard the ferries on that run until the equipped KLICKITAT and NISQUALLY began their visits there. Even then, they weren't used. Not until when the KITTY and CATHY began their work at Columbia Beach in 1982.
Nowadays, even on my recent 2011 solo trips, WSF uses an equivalent of Transport Canada's required safety briefings at each start of a voyage.
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Neil
Voyager
Posts: 7,175
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Post by Neil on Jun 9, 2011 10:34:09 GMT -8
It was actually pretty interesting just riding along like a regular passenger, as opposed to being a rabid ferry fan. There IS a difference. Yes, but if you keep your shots up to date before you ride, the rabid aspect is hardly noticeable. At least to others. |
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Jul 29, 2011 12:14:26 GMT -8
I'm planning on taking a trip on the Rhody tomorrow, not sure which sailing, if anyone wants to join feel free.
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Post by Kahloke on Jul 29, 2011 17:00:53 GMT -8
I'm planning on taking a trip on the Rhody tomorrow, not sure which sailing, if anyone wants to join feel free. Rhody's a neat ferry. I went for a ride on her a few weeks ago. Have fun. Right now, my wife and I are in Missoula, MT. We are staying in the downtown Holiday Inn just for the night. We'll be returning back home to Gig Harbor tomorrow. We did the drive up to Missoula from Sun Valley today. That's a gorgeous route - very scenic! |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Jul 29, 2011 18:34:04 GMT -8
Rhody's a neat ferry. I went for a ride on her a few weeks ago. Have fun. Right now, my wife and I are in Missoula, MT. We are staying in the downtown Holiday Inn just for the night. We'll be returning back home to Gig Harbor tomorrow. We did the drive up to Missoula from Sun Valley today. That's a gorgeous route - very scenic! How is Mrs. Kahloke doing on her knowledge of ferries? - can she name all the members of the Issaquah class? - If you mention the "7 sisters" is she thinking Spaulding or is she thinking about "7 brides for 7 brothers"? The ferrification of family members can be a slow and patience-testing process. I recommend loving repetition of ship names in conversation, subliminal techniques such as use of WSF galley items in your kitchen (napkins, coffee cups, etc), and the working-in of ferry trips into family vacations whenever possible. I've been married 16 years, and I'm still waiting for the day when my spouse will say to me "Are we taking Route-2 on an MD sailing today?". ;D |
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Post by Kahloke on Jul 31, 2011 17:09:00 GMT -8
How is Mrs. Kahloke doing on her knowledge of ferries? Funny! Mrs. Kahloke is not really a ferry enthusiast but she enjoys traveling with me, and we have been on several outings that involved ferries even before we were married. Of course, we've only been married a week now, so I guess that's kind of stating the obvious. Besides Washington State Ferries, Mrs. Kahloke and I have traveled together on Coho, Coastal Inspiration, Queen of Oak Bay, and Queen of New Westminster. So, she's gotten a small taste of BC Ferries. |
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Post by lmtengs on Oct 7, 2011 21:19:23 GMT -8
I'll be heading up the Sea to Sky this weekend, and want to get some pictures of the Queen of Vancouver. I know of the view from the 'beach' at Squamish, and the distant view from Porteau and Britannia.
Are there any closer views I could get? I did a Google Map sleuthing job and found a service road just North of Murrin Park that'll get me right down to the water, and it's pretty much directly across from Woodfibre.
So yea, any tips would be appreciated. Also, does anyone know of any fun things to do up around Squamish or the Cheakamus Valley?
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