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Post by Low Light Mike on Dec 14, 2011 12:04:57 GMT -8
Here's a thread for all forum users (BC, Washington, Alaska, everywhere else) to do some 2011 reflecting, as we wind down the year.
How was your year?
- What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011?
- What's your favourite photo of 2011?
- What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011?
- ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011?
Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012?
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Post by Kahloke on Dec 14, 2011 13:11:00 GMT -8
2011 was a "roller coaster year" for me, the likes of which are not likely to be repeated in the near future, or perhaps ever. More on that later - keep reading  - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? 2011 was not a big ferry year for me. The most memorable trip was, without a doubt, the Route 1-5-9 outing in January of 2011. It was a beautiful sunny day, and we had a good forum member turnout. Incidently, that was the last forum event I attended. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? I took a lot of good photos in 2011, so it's kind of hard to choose a favourite, but this one I captured of Rhododendron on her morning crossing to Vashon is definitely a keeper:  - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? Oh, where do I start? 2011 was certainly a year to remember. Let's see...here are the highlights: 1. Got layed off from Starbucks in April after being with the company for almost 13 years. 2. Became engaged to the woman I had been dating for 4 years very soon after I was let go from Starbucks. 3. Finally accepted Jesus Christ into my heart, became baptized, and joined my wife's church. 4. Went to Mexico on a mission trip with my new church to build houses for poor families - that was in May 4. Prepped my house for selling, and listed it at the end of June. It was on the market for a day, and within that day, we received 2 full-price offers. I could not believe how fast we sold it. It was amazing! 5. Got married at the end of July, and then honeymooned in Sun Valley 6. Moved into my wife's house right after getting back from our honeymoon. That's when my house closed. 7. Helped my father-in-law build a garden shed/gazebo in our back yard (August & September) 8. Finally found work again at a local design studio, and now I am back at Starbucks again in a contract position, which is kind of ironic. 9. To wrap up this year, my wife and I are flying back to Virginia next week to spend Christmas with her sister and their family. Do you think that's enough ;D - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? The Route 1-5-9 event I attended in January, which seems like a lifetime ago. My life is so different now than it was a year ago. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? I'm not sure what 2012 is going to bring - probably not much, ferry-wise. My days of going on ferry-outings just for the fun of it are pretty limited now. Without a permanent income source, one I can count on lasting for awhile, discretionary spending has been curtailed. The Christmas trip back to Virginia is being paid for by my in-laws which is really nice of them, because we could not afford to go otherwise. There are a couple of "ferry/ship-related" events planned for 2012: 1. We'll be taking the Victoria Clipper up to Victoria at the end of February for an overnight trip. I booked through Clipper Vacations. It includes round-trip passage and a night at the Hotel Grand Pacific. It was a pretty good deal, and should be a nice getaway 2. We are going on a Holland America Alaska cruise next summer with my in-laws and my wife's sister + her family, so that is one thing I am really looking forward to in 2012. |
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Post by Mike C on Dec 14, 2011 14:15:34 GMT -8
This year, for me, was a sharp learning curve - I certainly learned a lot about myself, and how to take certain things head-on. I was also accepted to the Urban Planning and Design program, which was quite a task in itself, as I'm sure others like Nick and Brett can relate. I just completed my first semester of a two year diploma program for transportation planning, and I will say this - there's quite a bit more to it than what meets the eye...  - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? Tie between two: - the Mill Bay's final day in May. It was nice to see a community gather like that, it's not often that sort of thing happens here on the south coast. - a round trip on the Wenatchee I did with my dad in late August. Even during constant crunch time and an endless stream of deadlines, I'll always have memories like that day to reflect on. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? Tough one, but here you go...  - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? Again, probably getting accepted into Urban Planning. It seemed like such a huge step, and that all that hard work paid off. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? Sailing with our favourite plush friends on the Queen of Cumberland. Ernie's Hour ensuing. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? 3-tone horn for Coastals on Route 1. please and thank you. |
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Nick
Voyager 
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,078 
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Post by Nick on Dec 14, 2011 15:04:51 GMT -8
Here's a thread for all forum users (BC, Washington, Alaska, everywhere else) to do some 2011 reflecting, as we wind down the year. How was your year? - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? This year I was fortunate enough to be able to experience ferries in 3 different parts of Canada. I took the Peel and Mackenzie River ferries in the Northwest Territories, which was a much different experience than BCF or even MoH ferries. I also took my first trip on Marine Atlantic this year, on the Atlantic Vision. Much different experience than BCF, which is largely due to a much different customer demographic. Don't really have a favourite per se, but I do like this one. Just leaving Port-aux-Basques NL.  2011 was a big year for me. I went through the (very long) application process and was accepted into the Canadian Coast Guard College, as a marine engineer. As part of that, I moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia, where I will complete 4 years of training. I'm currently writing first term finals, so we're 4 months down of 45 ;D . I think the only real forum trip I did this year was the Mill Bay retirement, which I enjoyed immensely. It was great to see the community come out and celebrate the ship the way they did. Ferry-wise, I don't think 2012 will be very busy, but August 2012 is when I will be going out for my first sea training phase with the Coast Guard, which means I'll be at sea for 4 months straight. I'm hoping to be sent to either Arctic or Newfoundland region, just because I've never been there. We'll be touring the Atlantic Vision in January sometime as part of our ship construction class, so that'll be a good ferry-item to look forward to. |
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Post by Low Light Mike on Dec 14, 2011 16:06:58 GMT -8
For me, I'll look back at 2011 as a good year. I love life in spite of its challenges, so most years are usually seen by me as "good years". My most memorable ferry trip of 2011 was my "annual" Route-40 weekend. - this year, I did it early in the season, the 2nd weekend of July. - Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Shearwater, Klemtu, Ocean Falls, Bella Coola and then back to Port Hardy. I went outside to watch when we were at Ocean Falls at 1:00am. - then a side-trip on the "new" Quadra Queen II on my way back home driving down-island. - I still enjoy this, in spite of 2 nights sleeping on the floor of the 'Chilliwack. Favourite photo: - this is from my favourite shore-based trip of 2011, which was a 2-day ship-spotting trip to the Campbell River / Kelsey Bay area, just before summer-solstice. - I got lucky and saw AMHS Columbia and Kennicott in good-light, and a variety of cruise ships, all from 4 different locations. Here's one of my Columbia photos, taken from the government wharf in Kelsey Bay:  Significant 2011 moment in my life: - Buying lots of good used books and building up my own marine library. I've enjoyed the browsing, buying and the reading. - Similar to other people here who have "ongoing situations" with parents or grand-parents health, I've been making sure to take lots of time to enjoy visits with my Dad this year. He's in long-term care in a seniors' home and I'm making sure that I get many meaningful visits and conversations with him, while we still can. Memorable forum moment of 2011: - I only did one trip with other members, and that was the May 1st Mill-Bay retirement. I met a few members for the first time; that was good. - I've enjoyed doing larger photos, now that we've got a 1024px beam. 2012 hopes: - a livery-change for BCFerries - a ride on the 2 ferries that I've not yet ridden: SOBC and Kahloke. - a few hours to spend at Morant's Curve, in the summer. |
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Post by lmtengs on Dec 14, 2011 16:46:07 GMT -8
My year.... Wow, where do I start? I went to Edmonton, Oregon, Cuba, Germany, and Norway, and still managed to fit in 20+ trips to Vancouver, Van Isle, the Sunshine Coast, and other local destinations. I almost failed a course last year in school (and I believe this forum is at least partially to blame ;D ), and I succeeded well in others. I made new friends, ditched a few old ones, and may even have myself in a relationship by the New Year. I got in some pretty unique ferry experiences, including numerous bridge tours, a self-guided walkaround of the Queen of the Islands, a tour of the Carrier Princess at Vancouver Shipyards, and a tour of the Lomaiviti Princess during her last weeks in our part of the World. My ferry trip count for 2011 is 32 one-way trips so far (not including SeaBus, which would add another 20 or so). I think I'll end up topping off around 36 by year-end. In 2010, I got a fairly similar 30 trips in, again, not including SeaBus. - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? I think my most memorable trip would be my trip aboard the M/S Stavangerfjord over the summer. It was fun experiencing the foreign-ferry-feel for five ferry trips in Europe. Wow, if that's not alliteration, I don't know what is...  - What's your favourite photo of 2011? I seriously can't choose a favorite photo from this year, I took too many! So instead, I'll provide links to some of my favorites... Stairs up Soames Hill: a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184389_1791584236714_1452881547_1860520_7273912_n.jpgVancouver Skyline: a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/167305_1773628627835_1452881547_1830119_3345220_n.jpgSquirrel in Beacon Hill Park: a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/167944_1758164201234_1452881547_1805023_798386_n.jpgBird stretching it's wings on Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Oregon: a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/188873_1859285089193_1452881547_1964332_4881664_n.jpgMisty waves at Cannon Beach: a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199859_1859286889238_1452881547_1964345_3534640_n.jpgLooking down the beach at the Oregon Dunes National Rec Area: a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197601_1859388971790_1452881547_1964730_8194702_n.jpgThe lens of an Oregon Lighthouse: a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200394_1859391451852_1452881547_1964743_2559048_n.jpgA farmer collecting tobacco leaves in Cuba: a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208195_1911596116936_1452881547_2038013_5347294_n.jpgChildren playing in a Cuban Well: a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/205491_1911441473070_1452881547_2037696_2862970_n.jpgThe moon at dusk: a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206303_1911447953232_1452881547_2037734_7290279_n.jpgCuban sunset: a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/216386_1911448313241_1452881547_2037736_3669456_n.jpgQueen of Burnaby at Little River: a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270155_2132018387355_1452881547_2274885_4924873_n.jpgWest Canyon Trail, Golden Ears Park: a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267990_2116594361764_1452881547_2251712_6981162_n.jpgA boathouse in Kopervik, Norway: a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303686_2262743615404_1452881547_2451456_8038834_n.jpgLittle berries on a bush on Fosen, Norway: a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/296061_2262754095666_1452881547_2451494_2735816_n.jpgThe Bryggen in Bergen, Norway: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/307382_2261939875311_1452881547_2450627_2961422_n.jpgA tall old building in Oslo, Norway: a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/304377_2261656668231_1452881547_2450048_3511675_n.jpgSleeping off the travel stress, Frankfurt Lufthaven: a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/309839_2260443357899_1452881547_2448823_7670880_n.jpgHowe Sound from Porteau Cove: a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298049_2396389196460_1452881547_2556826_842223893_n.jpgTsawwassen Quay at sunset: a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/376389_2524071548439_1452881547_2643042_595935668_n.jpgAn owl in a tree in the forest behind my house: a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301519_2243608937049_1452881547_2426076_2455411_n.jpgEyeball: a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303005_2456125369827_1452881547_2600080_802495799_n.jpgCanada Geese above Hastings Lake, Alberta: a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/305889_2456126209848_1452881547_2600085_1181968458_n.jpgThis one isn't exactly a good photo, but it was taken in the dark depths of a WWII era bunker in Haugesund, Norway. There was absolutely zero light in there, and I wanted to get a photo showing the true colours in the bunker, so I couldn't use flash. This photo was taken with an aperture of 2.4 and an exposure of 133.4 seconds. That's more than two minutes! a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/318372_2262805416949_1452881547_2451571_7019970_n.jpg- What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if 2011 tops the list of 'most countries visited in one year' for me, so the travel aspect of this year is definitely most memorable for me. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? Either the scarred-for-life experience watching and participating in Ernie's Hour aboard the Cucumber Queen a couple weeks ago, or the Mill Bay retirement, my first forum-official ferry trip. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? Well I hope that the 'rebranding' that BC Ferries recently announced means some kind of betterment of the company will soon occur. The way things have been going lately, the ferry system will be operating their ships with massage parlours in not too long... oh wait, that's already happened. Is it too late to switch directions? Maybe we can build some sisterships of the Queen of Chilliwack too, while we're at it! |
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Post by WettCoast on Dec 14, 2011 17:12:45 GMT -8
By my calender 2011 has another 2 weeks & change to run before it is over. My highlights for the year may be yet to come, so I will answer these questions later. I have, over the holidays, 3 ferry trips planned: - Inside Passage on the NorEx on 20 December - Swartz Bay to Mayne Island on 23 December - Mayne Island to Tsawwassen on 24 December I have a night in a place over looking Active Pass booked for the evening of the 23rd. I am imagining a snow covered landscape and passing Spooks & Coast Boats.... A highlight for 2011 so far...  BC Ferries Flagship - Northern Expedition - southbound in Wright Sound on BC's Inside Passage - 3 August 2011 [photo © JST] by Wett Coast, on Flickr |
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mrdot
Voyager
Mr. DOT
Posts: 1,252
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Post by mrdot on Dec 14, 2011 17:50:38 GMT -8
:)I have just dialed into this forum, after viewing some very classic shipshapes, and I do not include this new northern wondership in that mix! :)mrdot.
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Post by Ferryman on Dec 14, 2011 21:51:47 GMT -8
Overall I've had a pretty good year. . -What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011?Hands down, witnessing the last day of operation of the MV Mill Bay. This was my first, and of course last trip on this vessel. . - What's your favourite photo of 2011?I'd have to say the one I took from the car deck of the Howe Sound Queen as she passed underneath the Lions Gate Bridge at 6:00am this Spring.  . - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011?Travelling to a remote Island Vacation destination in Dominican Republic. While en route to the ferry from the Airport (after driving for about an hour and a half), the bus broke down about a kilometer away from the ferry terminal. We ended up walking the rest of the way with all of our luggage in the extreme humidity that we were still adjusting to. The fact that I knew the Vesuvius Queen could still exist to some extent in the area we went to (Samana), was a deciding factor in the back of my mind for the trip for me. I've been meaning to post some pictures of the ferries, which I'll try to do tonight. . - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011?For this year, there hasn't been a lot of significant happenings that really stick out in my mind. I guess the fact that we rotate through banners with every page refresh and that all images are now nicer to view on wide screen moniters. . Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012?For 2012 I'm hoping that the Ferry Commissioner comes up with a Logical plan for the ferry system, without causing much disruption in service for the public or cost to the company. I'm also hoping to relocate off of the Gulf Islands to one of the major cities. Life on the Islands is just a little too quiet and relaxed for this young and energetic dude. This is still very much a thought in the back of my mind, and nowhere near becoming reality. |
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Post by Scott (Former Account) on Dec 14, 2011 22:02:37 GMT -8
While not the most exciting year for me, 2011 was good overall. - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? It was hard to chose as both were historical moments, but it's a tie between the Mill Bay's final day and watching the Queen of Esquimalt depart to meet her doom in Ensenada. Getting my last glimpse of the Lomaiviti Princess (ex- QPR) departing for Fiji from the Alberni and the Puyallup drydocked at VDD are up there, too. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? I have many favourites, but if I have to pick only one...  BC Ferries - Coastal Renaissance en route to Horseshoe Bay. by BCFS, on Flickr - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? Playing (piano) in multiple performances and seeing a vocalist I have worked with for over ten years sign a record contract with musicians from the Gaither Vocal Band. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? Like others mentioned, the stuffed toys and "Ernie's Hour" on board the Queen of Cumberland. The group screaming at the Renaissance and Celebration from the shores of Galiano Island after both sounded the single-tone whistle. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? - Three-tone whistle used on Coastals while on Route 1. - Tsawwassen Terminal stops treating photographers like criminals. - Contracts to replace the Nanaimo and Burnaby involve a vessel actually designed for Routes 9 and 17. |
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Post by Balfour on Dec 14, 2011 22:57:10 GMT -8
My year ended up being somewhat of a roller coaster. Personally for me it was a year of leveling off and and getting settled into the swing of things with my career in Civil Engineering. I've expanded my knowledge greatly from the projects I've worked on and my duties have expanded well beyond what a typical Draftsmen would do. I am also in the same boat as a few other forum members with my grandparents deteriorating health which will continue to be more of a concern of mine as time goes on as they are both well into their 80s. This fall alone I've dealt with one car being written-off and then my VW's window being smashed just 2 weeks after I bought the car. Then to top it off I somehow ended up with a black eye and a concussion. I guess it's true that bad things come threes... However it has been an excellent start to the ski season. On Saturday I will be starting my 8th season as an instructor on Grouse. For sure it was the Mill Bay Retirement. It was great to see a community come together to give and ship like the Mill Bay a great send off on a sunny day.  Mt. Baker and the Spook by Coastal Skier, on Flickr There's a few things.... - My family got another flat-coated retriever puppy in April - Being at the last game the Vancouver Canucks ever played against the Atlanta Thrashers while in Atlanta. - My other mid-summer vacation down in Hotlanta. 6-flags, beer and cigars by the pool and the Waffle House at 4AM, dopesauce! - Buying a 2007 VW Passat wagon now dubbed "the Awesome Pimpin' snowwagon" - Many summer evening bike rides into the Seymour Demonstration Forest - Every Ernie's Hour that I have hosted this year. - two words: BARBARA STREISAND! - WSF's Puyallup's one week stay in Lower Lonsdale - Hearing more 3-tone horns from the Coastals in Active Pass - Getting on more ships and routes I have not been on yet. That means a trip to Denman and Hornby Islands. |
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Post by Scott on Dec 15, 2011 23:20:17 GMT -8
How was your year?As far as ferries are concerned, it was a fairly quiet year. After coming home from Christmas holidays on January 3rd, I didn't step on a ferry until the May long weekend... - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011?...Which leads into the most memorable ferry-trips of 2011. We took a quick camping trip to Saltspring Island and then over to Parksville then home via Route 1, 4, 6 and 2. We only spent one night camping at Ruckle Provincial Park, and it started raining in the middle of the night, but it was fun to watch all the ferries go by (sort of the first high-season weekend of the year). It was also the same evening that the guy drove his car off the ramp at Swartz Bay, so the Coast Guard was active in the area too. After our day and night on Saltspring, we managed to convince our daughters that the trip from Vesuvius to Crofton on the Bowen Queen was our ferry ride home... but my eldest daughter figured it out in the middle of Parksville that we were heading to grandma's house for a couple nights. On the trip up the Island we stopped for a couple hours at Neck Point Park which was an awesome place for some pictures of the girls. I also had a nice ferry trip to and from Cortes Island on my birthday in July, parked right at the stern of the Tachek (with the view out the front of the car) on the way back with the windows rolled down. - What's your favourite photo of 2011?Not the best photo I took that night, but probably my favorite.  L to R: Young Spirit (freighter), Pacific Navigator (pilot boat), Seaspan Greg, Lomaiviti Princess (Queen of Prince Rupert), Westminster Chinook (tug), Pacific (tug) towing Pacific Sounder (cement barge), a motorboat
- What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011?As far as ferries are concerned, it would have to be the departure of the Queen of Prince Rupert. Fortunately, it was on a nice summer evening, so we were able to go down to Garry Point Park to watch her go by. We went to Pajo's for fish and chips, then waited and waited and waited. I've taken my wife on these "expeditions" before, hoping to catch sight of something unique or unusual, and invariably it doesn't happen. I was almost ready to give up, but just as the sun was going down, the Lomaiviti Princess rounded the bend in the river and the wait was worth it. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011?I don't know if I can nail down a moment. Reading Flugel's detailed trip reports, tracking down a picture of the Esquimalt being scrapped in Mexico, reading Neil's blogs on Hornby Island life (and his debates with Mr. Keenleyside!), getting to pick through mrdot's drawings for a forum banner, watching two forum members head off to Nova Scotia to train for the Coast Guard, browsing through 1000s of awesome photographs... etc. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012?That the slugs would disappear, that there would be some moderation in fare hikes, and that we might have some new ferries to look forward to.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2011 18:18:37 GMT -8
Since I don't personally know anyone on the forum yet, I figure I'll take the opportunity and post in this thread to say more about myself. Overall it's been a pretty good year. but it's been a quiet year in terms of ferry trips. I went to Europe this summer so that was a pretty big trip itself. - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? April 2011 (I shared a photo in the Oak Bay's thread from that trip). Saw the NIP at Lonsdale Quay, and got a good bridge tour on the Queen of Surrey. I'll post a photo taken from the bridge wing shortly. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? Tough choice. I have many, many favourites, so i'll go with something different:  Taken in the Junfrau region in Switzerland - this is near the "top of Europe" on Mt. Eiger, the highest point accesible by train. - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? My trip to Europe. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? Nothing lol, i'm still a 'new member' here so I don't have any memorable forum moments yet. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? More ferry trips other than the Queen of Surrey. I hope to make a day trip to Galiano Island, and ferry spotting in Nanaimo is also on my agenda for 2012 Cheers! |
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Post by Mike on Dec 31, 2011 23:07:18 GMT -8
Figured now is a good time to do this, as it's New Year's Eve. 2011 was a pretty good year for me. I went back to school and am well on my way to completeing my Automotive Technician course and getting my Level 1 certification in February 2012. - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? Think I would have to say the group trip to Galiano Island. A bridge tour I had on the Queen of Surrey at the beginning of the Thanksgiving weekend is up near the top too. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? I have two favourite photos that I took this year. 1. The Queen of Surrey approaching Langdale.  2. The Coastal Renaissance and Coastal Celebration passing each other in Active Pass.  - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? I found out that my family and I will be selling our house and moving elsewhere in the Lower Mainland in Spring 2012. Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? I intend to attend more group trips whenever possible and meet more ferry fans. |
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Quatchi
Voyager
Engineering Officer - CCG
Posts: 930
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Post by Quatchi on Jan 5, 2012 19:13:07 GMT -8
Well, Seeing as 2011 is now actually over I will post. My year has been great! My late February weekend in the Gulf Islands. It was my first time spending any real time in the islands and was a lot of fun.  July 12 2011, Arctic Circle Dempster Highway. I drove the Dempster Highway to Inuvik, NWT and then flew to Tuktoyaktuk, NWT. I was accepted to the Canadian Coast Guard officer Cadet Training Program and moved to Sydney, Nova Scotia to start my 4 years of training. The forum Widening was the best thing since toilet paper in my opinion. I don't think I will see much if any BCF action in 2012, but I will get 4 months at sea on a CCG vessel starting in late August. I don't know where I will be posted though, so there could be ferries involved. Cheers, |
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Post by Curtis on Jan 6, 2012 18:52:11 GMT -8
Guess I should do this... 2011 was quite a Roller Coaster Year, there were highs and there were lows, My activity while on Ferries Matured quite a bit compared with previous years. Though really, I'd say it just took a back seat with the other moments of this year, the biggest of course being the Stanley Cup run of the Spring, of course we all know how that turned out  Meanwhile, it was also a good year for me employment wise getting my first Full-Time job but also getting a call for an interview with BC Ferries, though that didn't turn out the way I hoped what I learned from it will prepare me for the next round of Job Employment in the coming months. In conclusion, compared to other Years, I view 2011 as a year that was great, but could have been better. Simply put though, that's life... - What's your most memorable ferry-trip of 2011? By far it would have to be the CirclePac Trip, being my only forum trip of the year it was probably no contest as most of my other trips this year were mainly getting from Point A to Point B and back. What do I have to say about it... BARBRA STREISAND!!!!! As for non-forum trips, probably a side-trip I took on the Queen of Capilano back in April because it was probably the most unique trip I took all year though that's to be expected when the rest of my trips were mainly on Routes 3, 7, 17 and the occasional 18 trip. - What's your favourite photo of 2011? I'd have to go with this one of the North Island Princess. Taken in late July not long after she was repainted, the photo just stands out to me. The colours and light blend amazingly well and make the NIP look stunning.  Personally, I rank this as one of the best Profile Shots my camera has captured. - What's something memorable or significant that happened to you in 2011? I'd have to say the most memorable thing of this past year for me was the 2011 Stanley Cup Run of the Vancouver Canucks. It was a fun filled 2 months and while the Canucks fell one game short of the ultimate goal, it showed how much passion I have for this team. It also gave me many great memories be it the thrills of "Slaying the Dragon" that was Chicago, Kevin Bieksa's Western Conference clinching goal with an assist by the Stanchion, oh, not to mention the epic beard I grew in those two months. - ...and if you dare, what was your most memorable forum-moment for 2011? Probably occurred on the CirclePac Trip with Mr. Skier and Mr. Mirrlees at TC's Bar in the Town Centre Hotel. Some great ferry discussion, drinks, nachos, and DEBORAH MARSHALL!!!!! Considering what you've experienced ferry-wise in 2011, what do you hope for in 2012? Personally, my 2011 was a Mild Ferry Year so in simple terms, 2012 can only be better. One thing I hope is that I can take a few more trips that are outside my current area. Based on my current planning, that is going to happen how much though is another question. Oh and for the sake of saying it, I'd prefer a bit less Queen of Chilliwack trouble this year she could use less of it. |
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Meanwhile, it was also a good year for me employment wise getting my first Full-Time job but also getting a call for an interview with BC Ferries, though that didn't turn out the way I hoped what I learned from it will prepare me for the next round of Job Employment in the coming months. In conclusion, compared to other Years, I view 2011 as a year that was great, but could have been better. Simply put though, that's life...